How to help someone with depression

Eight ways you can help someone with depression

Remember that they cannot help being affected by depression.
Encourage them to talk and listen to what they are saying.
Let them know that you care about them.
Stay in contact with them. Send a card, give them a ring, visit them in their home. Remember that depression can be a very isolating experience.
Help them to feel good about themselves by praising daily achievements.
Encourage them to help themselves by adopting self-help techniques.
Find out about support services available to them and to you (self-help groups, out of hours emergency support, helplines, etc). Put them in touch with Depression Alliance.
Encourage them to visit their doctor, and ensure that they take any prescribed medication as directed.

If they are talking about or have attempted suicide

Suicidal thinking is common in depression. Don't be afraid to ask them if they are suicidal, and try to reassure them that feeling or thinking the future is hopeless does not make it so in reality. If they have suicidal intentions, of have attempted suicide, call in other people (
Reassure them that their life is important to you and to many other people, and that they will feel better once they receive appropriate treatment. However hard it may seem to look after a person who is suicidal, the fact that you are showing you read more