What do you say to someone who just told you they have depression?

Answer 1

I would try and find out how severe it is, like are they thinking about suicide, or god forbid homicide. Also try to pinpoint the trigger of depression, if there is a trigger, for example a breakup, then just support them. If the trigger is unknown have them seek medical attention. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

It's important to be understanding and to urge them to get professional help. There are a lot of places that can help someone who is suffering from depression and someone trained in the mental health field will be able to diagnose whether there may be a chemical basis for this person's depression so it's important that they try to get some help for this. If someone told you they have this it means they're reaching out to you for help and you should try to do what you can to be a good and understanding friend and lead them to feeling better. Good Luck

Answer 3

see what they're upset about and get together with them and a bunch of buddies and have some fun show them that there's more positive out there than negative.

Thats what my freinds did for me and I'd have to say it worked, I was depressed to the point of contemplating ( that's a fancy way of saying thinking about) suicide, and my buds helped me have some fun (We went to a scrapyard stole about 30 airbags out of scrap cars, and used a 6 volt battery to set them off shooting them across a river, and then took turns satnding on the airbags when they went off, we could have got killed doing that but that would be a fun way to go). so make them change their philosophy the same way I did
**** happens there isnt a thing you can do about it so have fun with life, and i'ts only illegal if you get caught

Answer 4

Well, if you feel you have to say anything, tell them you are sorry they are going through that and you hope they are getting help with it . Sometimes its just nice to hear someone assure you it will get better and to hang in there, with the state of the world I think everyone gets there at different times.

Answer 5

You say, "I'm sory...how did you find out?" and then you say "what can I do to help you? Don't feel alone, millions of people have depression, so let's get you to a doc who can prescribe a good med and maybe some counseling and you'll do great." Also, say "I'm here for you" and mean it. Be there for your friend.

Answer 6

OK, I'm assuming that they have recieved a medical diagnosis for the depression and that is why they are telling you. I think it's important to treat them the same as you always did.

Answer 7

You ask them if you can do anything for them and tell them you'll be there if they need someone to talk to.

Depression is a illness. Depressed people feel better is you acknowledge it that way and do not treat them as strange.

Answer 8

Everything that has been posted here is valid and you need to take it seriously, as everyone that has answered. There is a wealth of information in these responses to help and support your friend, just make sure they do not isolate...

Answer 9

Seek help a parent, priest, or good friend and try to be there for them.

Answer 10

sit down and talk tell them to tell you their symptoms and how they find out about the depression.Its good to talk about the depression then leave it up locked up inside you let whats bothering you out,and talking about it helps.I tell that some one if he or she needs to talk about anything that bothers i will give them my full attention.