12 Ways to Help Someone with Depression, According to Psychologists

It can be tough to know what to do or say, so use these ideas straight from mental health professionals to support loved ones with depression on their journey to recovery.

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Just listen

When a friend or family member is struggling, our natural instinct is to take action and give them what we consider “helpful” advice. But here’s how to help someone with depression: hold off on the guidance and just listen. “Listening with compassion allows your friend to express the wrenching physical and emotional aspects of depression,” says Deborah Serani, a professor of psychology at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. “Things to say include, ‘I want to know what you’re going through,’ ‘What can I do to help you feel better?’ and ‘I’m here for you, to talk to and support you.'” Allowing people to open up on their own terms helps them feel validated. On the flip side, here are some comments to avoid.

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Realize that you don’t “know how they feel”

Depression is not the same as sadness. “Most people suffering from depression are hesitant to open up because of the stigma that comes with it,” says psychologist Susan Fletcher, PhD, of Fletcher & Associates Psychological Services, PA in Frisco, TX. “Many times well-meaning friends try to make people feel better by telling them they know how they feel.” But this makes people with true depression feel like their difficulty is being minimized. Instead, convey the message: “‘I may not understand what you are going through, but I want to learn more,'” Fletcher says. (What is an empath? Find out more about this personality type.)

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Stay in touch

It doesn’t take much to let a friend who’s struggling with depression know you’re here for them—small gestures can help them feel less isolated. “A handwritten note, or sending an e-card or paper card can brighten a depressed person’s day,” Serani says. “Also, offering a smile is a message of hope, love, and recognition.” Texting a simple phrase like, “Thinking of you,” especially if they’re tackling something outside their comfort zone like going out in public for the first time in a while, can give them a boost. A phone call, a visit, or dropping off a meal shows your friend you have their back. These gestures won’t treat depression, but they may provide temporary relief.

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Understand you can’t cure their condition

As a support person, it’s not your role to “fix” their disease. Trying to do that places an undue burden on you as well as your loved one. People with depression aren’t going to be able to just “snap out of it”—and attempting to solve their problems will only heighten your own frustration. “Trying to do more than supporting a person can sometimes add more stress to your world, so it’s a good idea to be mindful about striking the right balance,” Serani says. “When you support your friend, you actually are part of the cure—you’re just not totally responsible for it.” 

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Get friends involved in activities

The physical symptoms of depression, including fatigue, drain a person of energy. But studies have shown that exercise can be an important starting point for depression recovery. “There are physiological benefits to being more active,” says Fletcher. “The body is likely to produce the kind of neurotransmitters in the body that can elevate mood.” Here’s how many minutes to walk to boost mood; why not give it a try? The feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin get boosted with activity, as does the bonding hormone oxytocin when you’re around others. If your friend feels up for it, suggest a walk or cooking a healthy meal together. “Activities can help someone see outside the depression, that there are some things that are right with the world,” Fletcher says.

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Be proud of their accomplishments, even small ones

If your friend isn’t ready for too much activity, focus on the small things, and cheer your friend when he or she achieves—or even attempts—them. “How to help a friend with depression find a daily structure like showering, getting dressed, maybe helping with chores, or just getting up out of bed may be a goal for the day,” Serani says. “Say, ‘I see how hard this is and I’m so proud of the things you’re doing.'” A literal pat on the back, a wordless hug, or touching their hand can also let them know you’re happy for them. For people with depression, the biggest strides in recovery may be made when they’re able to do the ordinary tasks they used to do before their low mood hit. There are even more caring actions; learn the 24 friendship gestures that people find most meaningful.

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Be careful not to shame your friend

Along with depression comes feelings of shame, so take care that your well-meaning platitudes don’t reinforce those perceptions. Even saying things like, “Look on the bright side” can further the idea that their feelings are somehow wrong. “It’s not unusual for someone with depression to think, ‘I have so much going for me so I don’t understand why I can’t appreciate it, why am I still depressed, and I feel guilty for feeling this way,'” Fletcher says. Implying that your friend shouldn’t feel the way they do could further the downward spiral of shame. So what to say to someone with depression without making it worse? “Meet your friend psychologically where he or she is with comments like, ‘It’s hard and I know you’re strong,” and ‘I’m here to support you as you work on getting better,'” Fletcher says.

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Avoid tough love

You might think you’re helping your friend by taking a hard line with them, but in fact the opposite is true. “Depression is an illness—it’s not a weakness of character, an attitude that can be changed, being lazy or not trying hard enough,” Serani says. “You would never tell a cancer patient to ‘buck up and try harder to get better.’ But we do this to people who struggle with mood disorders.” Instead, validate that depression is real and difficult. Let them know you’re with them every step of the way. While you’re at it, consider some of these 17 things psychologists wish people knew about depression.

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Cut them some slack—but don’t enable bad behavior

Irritability is a symptom of depression. So while you may excuse your friend’s rudeness or insensitivity toward you, don’t be a punching bag. “You could be enabling your friend and justifying unhealthy behavior by doing so,” Fletcher says. “Instead, say, ‘When you said that, it hurt my feelings and I wanted you to know that I don’t believe it was your intention. I know things are difficult for you and I want to be helpful but I also want to make sure I’m honest with you. I know our friendship means a lot to both of us and I want to make sure we can communicate openly.'” Suggest another way of saying the hurtful thing that was said, and don’t allow the friendship to become toxic.

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Encourage them to see a professional

This one’s a little tricky: You want to encourage them to get the support they need when they’re ready for it. “I think the best approach is to say, ‘I care about your well-being, and I’d be happy to help you find a good therapist,‘ or ‘I know that Dr. X is a depression specialist, do you want me to help you make an appointment?'” says Serani. How your friend reacts will tell you what the next step is.” Because it might be overwhelming for your friend to make the appointment, you can call to schedule it. Fletcher even suggests driving your loved one to the appointment and sitting in the waiting room. On the way home, you can help your friend process what the doctor said. But if your friend is not ready for therapy, it’s OK. At least you planted the seed. 

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Get support yourself

One of the hardest parts of knowing how to help someone with depression is remembering to take care of yourself too. “When a friend lives with a chronic illness like depression, you want to be sure your own well-being is grounded, so taking time for self-care is vital,” Serani says. Also, don’t let your own relationships and commitments suffer, and realize it’s OK if you need to speak with a therapist, member of the clergy, or a support group.

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Watch for immediate danger

Depression can be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs, and call 911 or take your friend to the ER if necessary. “Over 70 percent of people with depression will have a relapse—so, it’s crucial to take any sudden behavioral changes or emotional statements seriously, especially ones that suggest hopelessness, suicide, death, or not wanting to be ‘in pain anymore,'” Serani says. Ironically, a state of unusual serenity can also indicate that things are reaching a crisis point. Make an “emergency plan” with your friend. This may include who to call and what to do if they seem to be in immediate danger. Have the number or your friend’s therapist or a family member on hand, as well as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK. If texting is more comfortable, there’s a crisis hotline for that too.

Sources
Medically reviewed by Ashley Matskevich, MD, on August 18, 2019
Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest

Tina Donvito
Tina Donvito is a writer, editor, and blogger who writes about health and wellness, travel, lifestyle, parenting, and culture. Her work has been published online in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and Parents, among others. Chosen by Riverhead Books and author Elizabeth Gilbert, her writing appears in the anthology Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It: Life Journeys Inspired by the Bestselling Memoir. Tina was previously editor-in-chief of TWIST magazine, a celebrity news title for teen girls with an emphasis on health, body image, beauty, and fashion.