How to help a friend

How to help a depressed friend

• Ask them how they feel and raise your concerns.

• Show that you care for them and feel empathy for them.

• Validate their feelings (saying things like "that sounds really difficult")

• Remember they might not want to talk about it at the start. Ask questions to show you are interested and don't assume you know what they are going through.

• Help them find treatment: they might find it difficult to go to therapy for it. Help them find a therapist and encourage them to attend regularly.

• Depression often causes people to lose interest in hobbies, makes it hard to find motivation and feel the need to be alone. If they feel unmotivated to do something like go to therapy or continue a hobby, remind them about the benefits of partaking in it and encourage them to continue.

• Do some research on the disorder by yourself. Your friend might find it tiring to have to explain the depression they are experiencing to various people. Doing your own research allows you to gain a deeper understanding of depression.

• It can be difficult for people struggling with depression to find motivation to do everyday tasks like laundry or cleaning. Offer your help to them. Instead of saying "Let me know what I can do", offer to do something they ,might need help with, like groceries for example.