trying to help

[eruyauve]

I am recovering from depression myself, and because of that I hadn't noticed how badly my best friend is doing, he's suffering from postpartum depression. I only recently put the pieces together and noticed the same symptoms in him that I suffered through. But because I'm still recovering myself, I don't know what to do, seeing him so miserable is pushing me down again, and yet, he needs me to be there for him, or he'll do something stupid.
What can I do?

[Obayan]

ok, first off, only a doctor can diagnose. There are a multitude of illnessess out there and the symptoms overlap so drastically it takes a trained professional to diagnose what is wrong. Once it's diagnosed and has a name, you can begin to fight it.

I know you care about your friend, but you aren't responsible for them. You can't "fix" someone else. Nor can you take responsibility for someone else's actions or inaction. The only thing we can do is try to be there and be as supportive as we can when we are needed.