Q. I have a girlfriend who seems to be depressed, she is sleeping alot and has no interest in sex or going out, things she was intrested in have fallen to the way side, she said last night that life is pointless, and why should she bother trying...I am worried she might be suicidal...
These are my question, should I be worried about suicide, how can I tell, and what should I do to help her?

Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks, J.D.

A. J.D.,

Thanks for your questions. Your girlfriend definitely sounds depressed. The BEST thing you can do is support her. Let her know that you are concerned and want to help her feel better. This means that if she isn't interested in sex, don't push the subject. If she wants to stay home instead of going out, stay with her, perhaps make a nice dinner or something. Show her that you are genuinely concerned and she may open up more to you about what is getting her so down. With regard to the comments that sound "suicidal," these are being made as a cry for help. DO NOT ignore these comments. Tell someone else that you feel she is close to and let them know that you are concerned about these comments so that you are not alone in dealing with these type of emotions. Let her know, when she says things like "this is pointless" and "why bother" that these comments hurt you and you want to help her to not feel this way toward herself. If she is willing, go with her to a therapist, someone she can talk to who is "outside" her situation, you don't need to go into the session with her but tell her you'll drive and wait for her.
But most of all, just be there for her and know your limits, if you have given everything you can, then it's time for you to step back and for her to get professional help. Good thoughts to you.

Jeanne