Hi. A friend of mine is suffering from depression i suspect. He has been on a consistent low mood for over 2 years now with a stressful life event triggering it more. Before that, he had been in stress. He is 27 rightnow but won t agree going to a doctor because of anti depressents and their side effects. he has feelings of worthlessness, guilt and very low self esteem and self blaming. Finds negativity in even the positive things and blames himself for everything. Hasn t laughed in a long time now and says he has forgotten how it feels to be smiling or laughing. I am very much concerned about his health mainly because i myself have been a major depression patient during my teenage and i want to help him out but he wont listen to me to go to a doctor. I assure him he is much better than i was and he wont be prescribed anti depressents and just counselling will help him. I want to ask you what is your opinion of his depression stage ( either it is mild or chronic and of what kind) based on the information i have provided above? And will he need any medication or just counselling can help him?? Thankyou very much.