What is to be done with a socially unadjusted 25 year old who almost refuses to socialize and thinks she has major depression/bipolar/mental problems? The girl practically lives under a rock, possibly held down by her parents (or her fear of leaving them), and can't seem to figure out why she is discontent. She is afraid of men - naked men - yet comes to me with a group of hickies on her neck saying how lonely she is and how frustrating all men are for her. Now, this girl is no whore by any means, and I mean that in all earnestness. There have only been three guys to my knowledge that she has ever liked - and she is still a virgin (unless she isn't telling me something). Those hickes I mentioned are infamous and only ever come from one person: a guy she thinks she likes, a guy I am almost positive likes her, and yet, because of her "christian values" won't take it any further... and she also kind of thinks he is an idiot.

I would like to help said friend. She needs some support. The question is how, and would it eventually drive me insane too?

I like my life, I like my friends, I even like my job for what it is. But helping her would be like taking care of a child, and I don't have the energy or means for that. It's not selfish, it's cautious. I want to help, I really do, but there is nothing I can do. She has to make a change all on her own, she has to grow up all on her own. As much of a friend as she is, I can't do that for her.