Update on the depressed friend: →[More:]I've been with him for about 36 hours straight now and things are rough but going better than I had feared. He's not suicidal, but is overwhelmingly sad a lot of the time. He's been more open and honest than I ever thought possible, it's good to see.

One of his friends came over last night and we had a big talk about what's been happening and about how respecting his privacy leads him to believe that no one gives a shit, and his friend assured him that he'll be phoning him much more often now that he knows the situation. I've got to say, watching two computer geeks try to have a heart-to-heart talk is almost painful to watch—like pulling teeth! But they did well, eventually. :)

It's going to take a while, but I think things will be okay. Thanks for all the advice/support.