My friend is currently going through really bad times. He’s depressed, and he says things are falling apart. He keeps saying that he’s selfish, worthless and other self deprecating stuff and it really hurts so much to see him suffer. He used to be really happy and bubbly but... I want to help him. I have been trying to help him; offering an ear to his worries, being there for him. But he keeps rejecting it all. Sometimes he lightens up, but a few days later, he’s back to being depressed.

He’s asking me to stop. Begging me to stop trying to help him because he doesn’t think himself worthy of it. And I’m falling apart. I keep saying that I’ll be there for him, but I don’t think my heart can take it.

I need help. Advice, anything. I wish I weren’t so young, or pressed for money or so busy with school... I wish I could just fly to his home, bring him to mine and take care of him and his mental health. But... I’m useless as is. I just type words on a screen. And it hurts. So badly. The resolve I once had to help him is fading. It hurts so much. I don’t think he’ll last. I don’t know if I will. And this isn’t even mentioning one of my other friends who also loves the problematic one. To him, if anything happens to Kitten (the problematic one), he’ll break. He’s so sweet and kind. I don’t want to see him break. I don’t know what to do anymore.

But I’m going to tell him that I’m sticking around. I don’t know where this will go but... what choice do I have? I just hope this won’t end in a tragedy.