<p>* My friend thinks that her daughter is feeling lonely because the majority of her friends graduated already and she has no one to be with. However, I think it is something bigger than that, and I tend to think it is related to her major*</p>
<p>What year is this young lady? If her friends have graduated, then it sounds like she’s a junior or senior.</p>
<p>“her parents are living abroad because of her dad’s job.”</p>
<p>Provided the location isn’t hideously dangerous, there should be no reason for her to not take a semester off and spend a bit of time with them. Sort of an independent semester abroad.</p>
<p>If she can’t live with them because of visa restrictions or the employer’s policy, then she should be encouraged to come up with a plan for where and how she is going to live in the US if she isn’t in college.</p>
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<p>Amen, sister. Indeed she is.</p>
<p>If she is in clinical depression, there may be NO specific reason causing it (beyond brain chemicals). She may not even be able to express what she’s feeling. So the “what’s wrong?” question just results in the answer “Nothing.” Which is basically true.
I would get her to a mental health professional whom she may be more willing to talk to if there is a reason and can help her if not. Mom will have to take the lead on this despite Dad’s denial.</p>
<p>Dear all! Thanks for your posts and suggestions… I am really happy I found college confidential. I talked to my friend earlier today, and even though she did not explain to me how things are going, she said that the situation is better. I gave her every suggestion I read on this forum, so hopefully she will find a solution for her daughter’s problem. Whether it is depression or that she is disliking her major, I don’t know, but I believe every advise we gave her may have contributed to the solution.
I have known them since the girl was 5, so they are like my family.
Thank you all!!!</p>
<p>If she refuses to go back, she should not be forced. It could be something like she was assaulted, but doesn’t want to tell people. That is her choice, she is an adult. I think the family should let it go. Even if she cannot save her place there, she should not be forced to go back.</p>
<p>I would be alarmed because my first thought would be rape or bullying. If the mom starts asking about these concerns, then D could see why the mom would worry and open up to her. Other things: grades, loneliness, homesickeness would then fall lower on the list of possible concerns.</p>