How to help a friend through depression?

[Anonymous]

A close friend of mine is struggling with depression. She says she feels stressed all the time, feels worthless, can't trust anyone and has low self esteem. She was drinking too much alcohol to help her cope. This has stopped, no booze for over 2 weeks. However she is now on anti-depressants.

I really want to do everything I can to help her through it. I keep telling what she means to me, that she's an amazing person who should be proud to be who she is. I just don't think words are enough though.

Any ideas what I can do to help would be appreciated.

[BellePepper]

Urge her to continue receiving professional help. It can be hard finding a medication that works for her. And she does need medication from the sound of it so do not naysay it. If she still needs this much support from you either she needs a different set of meds and/or she needs (more?) therapy.

You are there to support her, not bear her load.

[GadzQue]

How to help someone with depression.

1. Be there to listen. Make conversations about what they're going through easy and open.
2. Choose when to talk.
3. Accept their condition.
4. Get informed.
5. Encourage them to get help.
6. Back down if they aren't ready.

[GoldCobra]

Show that you care. Just be there for him. Try to get others to do the same