I know I shouldn't bring personal issues here but this is my last resort...my younger sister's friend after much begging told me my little & only sis is depressed.. I wonder what cud av caused it, she's just 17 although, she may not get everything she needs & wants but at least, she doesn't lack..however, she complained to her friend abt emotional neglect, DAT her emotional needs av bin neglected, she feels we don't luv her & she's now in2 substance abuse.....
Pls,I wana handle this without our parents being aware so,pls I honestly seek advise cos I don't want to lose my only sister,pls.... Thanks FAM.....

Are you always close to her?. Who is her close friend.
? Pls make sure u know her friends.. because taking of unwanted drugs. Is through her friends.. But do ur own part by buying gift for her.. Like cloth and shoe.. Thanks

Call her and surprise her with a shopping treat. I'm sure that would lighten her up. Thereafter, ensure you stay in touch with her, ask her what she does like, try to be close to her friends too, but nor try de chop dem o

Depression is a serious issue but neglected in this country. Let her know its normal to be depressed at times. She may not have lived up to expectations hence the depression

Hi. Your sister needs support and professional help. If her depression is organic, she may be given some antidepressants and subsequently paired with psychotherapy.

Please have her visit a clinical psychologist

She needs a shoulder she can lean on at anytime. You can volunteer yours before one predator offers her his own.

You said she's 17 and the cause of the depression is emotional neglect.

Well, what if she has been in a relationship and got heartbroken of recent which is more likely to cause depression in teens.

Since it's just the both of you, you're suppose to be her best friend, you claimed she isn't lacking, gifts are out of the equation but this doesn't mean you can't surprise her with gifts...make out time to talk to her, I know how to get my little sis tell me whatever she's hiding and she does, you should do that, then you'll know exactly what's up with her. Her friend could be covering up for her.

Teenage years are the most delicate in a person's life. It's the time we develop our emotions after a roller coaster of raging hormones, it's when we form our habits. Psychologists acknowledge this.

Usually, for some, it's a phrase that will pass and some are not strong enough to go through it alone and they give in to peer pressure and drugs.

Your sister is already doing drugs, she needs you more than ever. If you cannot contact or afford a professional, read about how to help her with it. Do things to make her know you care. Find out about that thing she loves doing - reading, painting, writing etc, try to indulge her.

and then tell your parents, cos honestly, they've failed in their responsibility as a parent.

Joavid:
Teenage years are the most delicate in a person's life. It's the time we develop our emotions after a roller coaster of raging hormones, it's when we form our habits. Psychologists acknowledge this.

Usually, for some, it's a phrase that will pass and some are not strong enough to go through it alone and they give in to peer pressure and drugs.

Your sister is already doing drugs, she needs you more than ever. If you cannot contact or afford a professional, read about how to help her with it. Do things to make her know you care. Find out about that thing she loves doing - reading, painting, writing etc, try to indulge her.

and then tell your parents, cos honestly, they've failed in their responsibility as a parent.

Thanks for this piece...