How to help?

1. Stay in touch

Letting your friend know you still care about them as they continue to work through depression. Letting your friend know you still care about them as they continue to work through depression can help.

People living with depression may become more withdrawn and avoid reaching out, so you may find yourself doing more work to maintain the friendship. But continuing to be a supportive presence in your friend’s life may make all the difference to them, even if they can’t express that to you at the moment.

You can start the conversation by sharing your concerns and asking a specific question.

“It seems like you’ve been having a hard time lately. What’s on your mind?”

“That sounds really difficult. I’m sorry to hear that.”

2. Help them find support

Your friend may not be aware they’re dealing with depression, or they may be unsure how to reach out for support. If your friend seems interested in counseling, offer to help them review potential therapists. You can help your friend list things to ask potential therapists and things they want to mention in their first session. Encouraging them and supporting them to make that first appointment can be so helpful if they’re having a hard time with it.