INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Depression can make a person feel worthless, but you can use encouraging words to support your friend until your friend remembers his or her worth again. Say something encouraging to your friend every day to show that you care and that your friend is valuable to you and to others. Point out your friend's strengths and accomplishments to help build them up. For example, you could say, "You are such a gifted artist. I really admire your talent." Or, "I think it is so amazing that you have raised three wonderful children on your own. Not everyone has that kind of strength." Give your friend hope by reminding them that the way they are feeling is only temporary. People who suffer from depression often feel like things will never get better, but you can remind them that this is not the case. Say something like, "You may not believe it now, but the way that you are feeling will change." Avoid saying unnecessary things like, "it's all in your head," or, "Snap out of it!" Making judgmental statements like these will make your friend feel worse and may cause their depression to become more severe. Depression can make people feel isolated and like no one cares. Even if you have demonstrated your concern by doing things to help your friend, he or she may need to hear you say that you are there for them in order to believe it. Let your friend know that you are available and that they should contact you right away if they need you. You can communicate your willingness to help by saying something like, "I know you are going through a difficult time right now, and I just want you to know that I am here for you. Call or text me if you need me." Try not to get discouraged if your friend does not respond to your positivity the way that you want or expect. It is common for people with depression to be apathetic, even towards people who care about them. Remember that sometimes the best way to communicate your support is just being there with the friend. You can just spend time with them watching a movie or reading, with no pressure to talk about depression or even to hope that they will cheer up. Accept them just as they are in that moment. Set boundaries about when you can accept phone calls or texts. No matter how much you want to help your friend, make sure that helping them does not take over your life. Make sure that your friend knows that you care, but that if he or she is having an emergency in the middle of the night, she should call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or call 911. when your friend wants to talk. Listening to your friend and attempting to understand what your friend is going through is an important aspect of supporting them through recovery. Allow your friend to tell you about his or her feelings when he or she is ready. Don't pressure your friend into sharing. Just let them know that you are willing to listen when they are ready and give them time. Be attentive as you listen to your friend. Nod and react appropriately to let them know that you are listening. Try echoing what your friend has just said now and then during the conversation to let them know that you are paying attention. Avoid getting defensive, trying to take over the conversation, or ending sentences for them. Be patient even though it might be hard sometimes. Continue to make your friend feel heard by saying things like, "I see," "Go on," and "Yes." Depressed people do sometimes take their lives when the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness become too much to bear. If your friend talks about suicide, take it seriously. Don't assume they won't act out on their thoughts, especially where there is evidence that they have a plan. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs: Threats or talk of suicide Statements implying they don't care about anything or won't be around anymore Giving away their stuff; making a will or funeral arrangements The purchase of a gun or other weapon Sudden, unexplained cheerfulness or calm after a period of depression If you observe any of this behavior get help right away! Call a health care professional, mental health clinic or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to get advice about what action to take.

SUMMARY: Encourage your friend every day. Let your friend know that you are there for them. Listen Recognize the signs of suicide.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If home treatment isn't working or your breast pain is affecting your daily life, see your doctor. Breast pain is very common and very treatable, and getting a medical diagnosis early can help you relieve pain and/ or get proper treatment for underlying causes. You can see your regular doctor or visit an ob/gyn, who specializes in treating disorders such as tendinitis. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your pain as well as feel for abnormalities in your breasts. She will also likely ask for a health history, including factors such as what type of activities you do and what medications you take. Bromocriptine, an oral medication, may be prescribed. Ask your doctor to prescribe a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream or purchase an over the counter option at a local pharmacy. This can help relieve pain and reduce swelling associated with breast tenderness. Apply the cream directly to the area of your breasts on which you feel pain. Because birth control pills often contain hormones, they may contribute to breast pain. Consult with your doctor about adjust the type or dose of pill you take, which may help to relieve breast pain. Skipping the placebo, or pill-free, week, may also help manage breast tenderness. Switching your form of birth control to a non-drug method may also help. Make sure to consult your doctor before stopping your birth control pills or changing them. If you are using hormone therapy for menopause or another condition, talk to your doctor about reducing or stopping your dosage. This may help relieve breast pain and tenderness, but may also have other side effects. Speak to your doctor about reducing your medications, going off of them, or trying alternative hormonal treatments. These drugs are short-term solutions for extreme pain and may be a last resort for those women who do not respond to other therapies. Speak to your doctor and consider taking one of these medications to help manage your breast tenderness. You need a prescription from your doctor for both Danazol and Tamoxifen. Be aware that both of these drugs can come with significant side effects including weight gain, acne, and voice changes. If your breast pain is causing you stress, think about undergoing relaxation therapy. Although studies have not been conclusive, some evidence suggests that relaxation therapy may help relieve breast pain by controlling the severe anxiety that can accompany it.

SUMMARY:
See your doctor. Rub topical anti-inflammatory cream on your breasts. Adjust birth control pills. Reduce hormone therapy medications. Consider the drugs Tamoxifen and Danazol. Undergo relaxation therapy.