My friend from school came late in the year and she was so loud out going and happy, but now she seems so depr

My friend from school came late in the year and she was so loud out going and happy, but now she seems so depressed and she doesnt talk to any body. When the teacher asked her to read and answer a question in front of every one she just starred off into space and act like she didnt hear them she wont even talk to me. also in class one time during a group activity she just kept looking out the window ,she got sent down to the office and then home. now no one really likes her but im so worried she has been skipping classes like every day. and then when shes in class some times she starts to look really pale and it seems like shes cold cause she shake for like 15 minutes of class. im really worried i cant even sleep. Also one time i saw a cut mark on her arm but it was only one . What should i do?

sometimes...people are different from other people, and when they change schools, or start a school where they don't have many friends, it's hard. Even a person who is happy and well adjusted can get worn down by people talking about her, or making remarks, or treating her like the invisible girl. You hit it right. It's depression, and it gets worse the longer it goes on. The longer the sitatuion stays the same, and when people get involved--like counselors or friends--or anyone, the problem is that your friend's problem doesn't go away fast, so people get tired, and they lose interest, but the problem is still there. And that makes it worse, because now people leave the person alone when they need help.

If your friend is thin, really thin--it could be that she's anorexic. She doesn't eat. It could be that she has social phobia, and is afraid of people staring at her when she does talk. She's distancing herself from people by staring out the window. Her skipping classes is called "school avoidance." It happens when a person hates school so much, they would rather be anywhere than at school.

Sometimes that triggers cutting. If your friend wears long gloves, or arm warmers, or leg warmers, or long shirt--because people cut anywhere, or scarfs, it could be--maybe? That she's a cutter. It's a form of asking for help to stop the pain.

It bothers people. Sometimes it bothers counselors too, and they don't try as hard as they can or are sympathethic to the people who do. Lots of kids call people like this emo, and it's a nasty label. It just makes it worse.

It could be that her parents are aware and doing everything they can to fix things. Some things are just hard to fix.

Just be her friend. Be there for her. She hears you even if you think she doesn't. Sitting next to her quietly would probably help. And yeah--at this point, you're right. You're probably the only one who cares.

Don't stop. And bless you, sweetie. You're a good kid.

either leave her to sort out her problems or let her know you're there for her, if you're going to approach her about the issue don't be too full on. maybe try talking to her about something else and then ease into the issue, don't know if that helps but good luck.

It's quite possible your friend has some very serious problems. Is there a guidance councilor or a Dean of Woman at your school that YOU can talk to. Tell them what's going on and that you're frightened for your friend. Still certainly be her friend, but don't think that you are in a position to help her. She needs a professional.

She needs psychiatric help. You freinds get together and meet her parents [mother]and expess your concern. As friends and human beings we have that obligation.

There are two things you could do, the first is to speak to someone at school, maybe a favourite teacher? Tell them everything and they be able to help.
The other thing you could do is ask her completly out-right. She may not want to say anything at first but perhaps if you tell her that you are not going to give up on her, you are her friend and you care about her. Tell her that you might be able to help her and if not, then its always good to talk about things and get them off your chest. Invite her round your house or something, and have a good one to one talk, you never know, after a while she may brake down and tell you all. Confide some things about your life to her, she may trust you even more if you talk about your life, and you might even have more in common than you orignally thought.
The fact that you do not know the extent of her depression and the fact she may of cut herself, suggests she needs someone to talk too. Make her listen to who much you care and how much this is affecting you.