ArcaMax

I believe that posting negative or self-hating thoughts on social media can actually perpetuate a negative cycle, but many people reach out in this way to vent, and in turn receive supportive comments and affirmations, which they must find -- otherwise they wouldn't do it. Try not to judge her harshly for doing this.

A huge challenge for friends and family members in dealing with someone with depression is to be present and supportive, while not taking on the burdens of the depressed person.

The concept of "self-care" is currently in vogue, but many of us don't really know how to exercise self-care in our own lives. In your case, it might mean learning to ritualize walking outdoors, reading poetry or listening to a favorite piece of music. If you aren't feeling strong, you can't be a supportive presence.

Dear Amy: This guy that I used to work with started a "friends with benefits" relationship with me about three years ago.

I quit my job when I graduated from college. He then reached out to me and we hooked up again.

Right after we hooked up, he told me that he didn't like me and that he liked another girl.

Fast-forward -- it is now three years later and he is still a part of my life.

I have tried to stop this multiple times, but he always says, "Let's talk it out" -- and we end up hooking up. He still states that he doesn't like me and doesn't want to have a relationship with me.

Every time I ignore him or tell him I don't want to be "friends with benefits" anymore, he tries harder to be in my life. I just don't know what to do.

My friends all think that he likes me, but if he really did like me he wouldn't be doing this. Any idea what I should do?

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