Q: My 25 years old friend has recently graduated but due to recession is unable to find a good job. Due to this, he has started experiencing depression, anxiety, frequent crying spells, breathlessness, panic, sleep and hunger loss. How can I help my friend come out of his sad state?

A:Psychosocial issues do contribute to initiation as well as maintenance of mental health problems. What you are describing could fall under various diagnostic categories. There is an element of depression and anxiety. But, the issue is also about understanding why this person is unable to cope, what are this persons usual coping strategies and is the situation being perceived to be more severe than it actually is? What are the supports available and what is the viewpoint for the future etc? More importantly, enhanced perspective should be used to help the person cope with this situation.