<p>I disagree with the harsh response to a student trying to help a friend who she knew was depressed, and seriously so. I can well understand the frustration of feeling a sense of responsibility for another when you have no real ability to do much of anything. And while I think there ought to be some outlet for kids to report their concerns, I agree that someone who doesn’t want to help themselves is not going to get the help they need. But it also concerns me that any young person would feel an obligation to take this on without help from an adult with more expertise, especially when they are probably very ill-equipped regardless. Our mental health options in this country are woefully under-staffed even for those seeking help! It’s a quandary, but I agree with the poster who said how important it is to talk with our kids about the signs of their own depression and letting them know that there is no shame in getting help. </p>
<p>However this kid ultimately died, we can all agree it was far, far too soon.</p>