Helping a Loved One Deal With Depression

No one feels so hopeless as the person who is trying to help a friend who is depressed. Although guidelines exist on things you can do to help, there is no script that fits every person, or every bout of depression. There are some situations that you could understand someone being depressed about, such as the loss of a loved one or a tragedy that threatens their safety or livelihood. There are other episodes of depression that happen when there seems to be no reason for it, even to the person who is experiencing it.

As a friend, it's important to let the depressed person know that they are loved and that they are accepted, even with their depression. Talk to them about how they feel. Better yet, listen to them while they tell you how they feel. Listening is one of the highest compliments you can give someone. Let them know that you understand what they are saying and that they matter.

Educate yourself about depression so that you understand that it is a disease. Actions or statements of a depressed person are reflections of the disease, not the person. They cannot "just snap out of it," and it's not just a "blue mood" that will go away on it's own.

Encourage group therapy or seeking the help of a counselor for the depressed person. Let them know that if at first they don't succeed, you will help them in finding another counselor or another group until they feel comfortable. If they show any suggestions of suicide get them to a professional immediately. Since you are the one they came to to express themselves, show your empathy and guide them to professional help.