How do you help someone with depression?

Answer 1

basically just be there for them, listen to their problems and give good hugs! Point them in the direction of professional help but say that you'll always been on the end of phone if they need you.

don't try to give advice if you don't know what to say, but also don't try to make their problems seem like they aren't problems, because to them they are.

Please don't reject your friend, they don't want to feel like this, and in time with the right help and support should get better. Watch out also, because this can be a drain on you, so try to keep your own spirits up.

Answer 2

I have depression and from experience talking is a good source to start with. Be there for the person and support them. Share with person if you had depression or anything similiar to what that person is going through and tell of how you made it through your situation. Tell of experiences, strengths, and hopes of yours and see if you can help the other person re-connect with theirs. If needed suggest getting help from a therapist or doctor. Whatever the case may be never give up on the individual. Let the other person know that they are not alone in this matter. Even the happiest person on Earth gets down or depressed at some point or another.

Answer 3

research depression - so you can understand what there going through a bit better

understanding depression
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/depression1.shtml

mind is a mental healh chairty
http://www.mind.org.uk/

be a freind
ask if there okay try to encourge them to go out somewhere for a walk perhaps, but also know to back off they might just say firmly no.

be a friend when the going gets tough.
when most people get depressed there freinds leave them behind, because there fed up with them being down all the time, keep asking them to come out with you it'll make them feel better, even if they don't show it or they won't come with you.

try and find out whats wrong, see if you can help in anyway, sometimes when people are depressed there's an unlaying reason and sometimes there's not, ask if there's anyway you can help.

try and get them to seek help from the dr's or at least get them to speak to someone like mind, but gently raise the subject and remember you can't force them, some people come out of depression themselfs anyway.

Answer 4

Unlike other people said, DON'T avoid them, that'll probably make them even more depressed. You CAN help them, just by being extra support for them if they need it. Do the normal friend things. Hang out, talk, etc. If they feel too depressed and don't feel like doing anything, then maybe bring them a little present or something like that to lift their spirits? And like weeleesie said, hugs are ALWAYS a good form of treatment for depression, lol.

Answer 5

You help someone with depression by being a friend, listening to them and letting them know you are there for them. In addition to this you may need to tell them that you think they are depressed and support them in getting to see their own GP. Not everybody who is depressed has enough insight to realise that they need medical help. Whatever you do, don't ignore it because it won't just go away and they can't just pull themselves together.

Answer 6

We often use the expression "I'm feeling depressed" when we're feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually, these feelings pass in due course. But, if the feelings are interfering with your life and don't go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back, over and over again, for a few days at a time, it could be a sign that you're depressed in the medical sense of the term.

In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life, but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, major depression (clinical depression) can be life-threatening, because it can make people suicidal or simply give up the will to live.

The very nature of depression, which brings a sense of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness, can prevent someone who's depressed from seeking help. They often withdraw from friends and relatives around them, rather than asking for help or support. However, this is a time when they need your help and support most. Perhaps the most important thing that you can do is to encourage your friend or relative to seek appropriate treatment.

Try not to blame them for being depressed, or tell them to "pull themselves together". They are probably already blaming themselves, and criticism is likely to make them feel even more depressed. Praise is much more effective than criticism. You can reassure them that it is possible to do something to improve their situation, but you need to do so in a caring and sympathetic way.

People who are depressed need someone who cares for them. You can show that you care by listening, sympathetically, by being affectionate, by appreciating the person, or simply by spending time with them. You can help by encouraging them to talk about how they are feeling and getting them to work out what they can do, or what they need to change, in order to deal with their depression.

If the person you are supporting is severely depressed, you may be faced with some hard decisions about how much to do on their behalf. If, for example, they are not looking after their physical needs, should you take over and do the shopping, cooking and cleaning for them, if you are able to? Or should you try and encourage them to do it? There are no easy answers to this situation. It will help if you can find someone with whom you can discuss these and other issues.

Supporting a friend or relative who is depressed can be an opportunity to build a closer and more satisfying relationship. However, it can also be hard work and frustrating, at times. Unless you pay attention to your own needs, it can make you feel depressed, too. Try and share the responsibility with as many people as possible, and find people to whom you can express your frustrations. There may be a local support group of others in your situation. You could also talk to your GP or another healthcare professional about getting help for yourself and your family.

Answer 7

you can be supportive, encouraging, and patient. That's about it. Someone with depression often has difficulty finding the energy to do anything, so it is helpful to get them out of the house, if even only for a drive. Encourage them to seek professional help, counselling and medications will often make huge differences, even just seeing a counsellor to talk about issues helps alot.

Answer 8

I think just the fact that you care and want to help is a step in the right direction. Just let them know that you are there for them and that they can depend on you for non judgemental support. There is not much else you can do because it may take treatment and maybe counselling to help them recover.

Oh and just treat them like you always have. Sometimes this may be difficult but when they start to feel better they will remember those that treated them normally and those who changed towards them.

Answer 9

Never say to them cheer up or tell them they're being silly etc. I once did that to a person who i didn't know suffered from depression (i just thought that they were in a bad mood) and serisouly it does not go down well. Apparently they go through good and bad stages and it's best just to ride the bad ones out.

Answer 10

try and find out what they are depressed about, keep reassuring them that this feeling will pass and everyone gets depressed at times. being a good friend to this person will help alot