How can I help a clinically depressed friend?

[Anonymous]

We were good work buddies but he quit because of his depression. He was diagnosed with clinical depression and now see a counselor every week. He was texting me (I'm a girl FYI) once a week with random text. I guess to start a convo. We chat about fun stuff and sometimes about his struggles. He's recently began to pull back a bit on the responses so I leave him alone.

So should I contact him? Or do I leave him alone? What would a depressed person perfer? I don't want to bother him- but I worry about him sometimes.
When he does text me- it seems like he's fine. But I heard from his mom he won't come out of him room or talk to anyone. But he still text me once a week. I'm lost on what to do...

[Panay]

Stay in contact and be friendly. Try and talk about hints other than his depressions and keep stuff light hearted/jokey.
Loneliness can be a major cause of depression, and it could contribute toward his even if it's not the main reason- but aside from that, knowing someone cares about you makes you feel happy, whether you're depressed or not

[Asker]

So should I contact him or only talk if he contacts me?

[Panay]

Sorry only saw your replied when you elected mho (thanks btw!)
Def contact him- it shows you want to talk to him, otherwise ts like you're just replying to be polite

[chloecheree42]

Don't draw back! Offer help and pray for him consistently. A great natural depression medicine you could suggest is SamE. With Jesus and SamE, I was able to mostly overcome my severe depression!

[abundantlyrich]

You already help enough.

[Asker]

Should I reach out to him? Or let him reach out to me?

[abundantlyrich]

He has already reach you. You can't save his life. He has to decide what he wants to do.

[Asker]

Yes. I agree. But I want to know if I should text him once a week like he does with me? Or is it better to only let him text when he wants?

[abundantlyrich]

you can check up on him once a week and ask how are things going for you

[bcromartie]

You cant! Tada!