Ask Sam

my friend is becoming really depressed because she is drinking. she always goes on about how depressed she is and how everyone hates her. she is 13 and she drinks vodka and lambrini and sometimes she smokes. it makes me upset and makes me not want to talk to her. i don't feel safe around her but that's only because i don't want to lose her. i don't know what to do please help. i cry when i think about it...

Hi there

You’re a great friend for getting in touch with me and asking for help. Your friend is going through a tough time. It sounds like she is feeling very down and is trying to cope by drinking and smoking. I often hear from young people in her position who don’t know what else to do.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a friend like you. I can hear how sad you are feeling. I can also hear how much you want to help your friend. I wonder if anyone else has noticed the changes in your friend, or noticed how sad you are?

It is really important that you tell someone about what is happening. There is help out there for your friend, and help to support you too.

A starting place might be telling an adult you trust at school. Someone needs to know if your friend is in need of help. I know this can be a big step to take sometimes. How would you feel about talking through your options with someone at ChildLine? I really hope that you can get in touch soon because it sounds like you might need someone to talk to.

Take care

Sam