What can I do to help friends who are in states of depression?

Question

I have a couple of friends who are in states of depression right now. Neither of them know of the other. Both have missed work, lay in bed, cry, isolate, and are in a really bad space. I don't like to see my friends this way. What can I do to help??? I don't know if either are on any type of meds. I know one does go to a therapist.

Thanks. I seriously really did not know what to do. I feel better myself now about what I can do to show I am there for them.

Answer 1

Professional help is the only way to help them. You can try to help them by being with them, talking and just hanging out together. With depression, most of your friends probably don't want to do anything or go anywhere and trying to lend your help may even aggravate them. Try to convince them to seek help and even volunteer to go with them for their first meeting. At least when they are there, they are going there with someone they can trust. Their parents should be involved in this too.

Answer 2

From someone who battles depression, I can tell you this. They will try to isolate themselves, for many reasons. The obvious depressed state, the physical pain that accompanies depression, shame, fatigue...A good thing to do would be to approach them and ask them what's going on. Try to have a dialogue. They may not be receptive. But try, without "pushing" too hard. Also keep in mind that depressed persons are often not thinking rationally, and their answers may strike you as strange, scary - many different things. But try to read between the lines and you are likely to find some answers, or a possible reason for the depression. In my case, however, nothing - no life changing event such as a death in the family, divorce, etc. - was present when I was diagnosed. Everything can be the cause of a chemical imbalance in the brain, which these days can be treated safely and effectively with a wide variety of antidepressants, particularly a family of meds called SSRI's. I know what they are going through, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Best of luck to them, and it's great to hear they have a concerned friend in you with them trying to help out.

Answer 3

Just be a good friend. Listen to them, encourage them,a nd hopefully you are close enough to talk about things like therapy or medication. Too often people believe that Depression is a character flaw or just a bad mood, but it is an illness not unlike cancer. And it can be deadly. So keep your mind and heart open. Give them an outlet to talk about their feelings. Encourage them to open up. This helps, I promise.

Answer 4

Just be there for them and understand that how they are feeling is out of their control. Encourage them to see a Dr., that things are not as hopeless as they may seem, they have friends and family who love and worry about them. But the best thing is just to be a good shoulder to lean on- first and foremost.

Answer 5

if either are on any types of meds than hurry and address them to:
WWW.LABELMESANE.COM
if they are not on meds than ASAP have them get the DIANETICS-self improvement package. my husband and i tried it 3 years ago and the panic attacks, anxiety and depression were gone! they really help you there.

Answer 6

get them out of the house as much as possible,keep them busy,keep their mind occupied with other things besides themselves,try to get them interested in something hobby(anything)talk,talk,talk about anything,let them share their feelings with you but not so much that it gets you down,suggest they get help if their not already

Answer 7

first tell them to get outside. it's proven that sunlight is treatment for depression, even if it helps a little.

Answer 8

bake them some cookies. get them hallmarkcards. take them to dinner. get them loaded. go on a trip, leave theie worries behind.