How do you help someone with depression?

[MaybeNormalQuestions]

I have a friend who is currently going through some hard times. With this happening, my friend has become really depressed and I don't know what to do. The most I do is talk to this friend for hours trying to help, but I'm not sure if that's working. Is there anything else I should do that will help? Is there anything else that will help?

[meatballs21]

Talk to them. Be there for them. Listen to them. Most importantly - show that you are paying attention and understanding.

My best friend and I are both going through shit, and we both know that we can always count on the other to listen and care and not judge. Just by getting it out in the open I don't feel so bad, because I don't feel like I'm facing it alone.

For serious depression professional assistance is needed, but as a friend just by being supportive (even when they might push you away or act like they don't care) knowing you will be there for them is huge.

[MaybeNormalQuestions]

Alright. Be their for them and listening and paying attention. Thanks.

[Kinstrome]

Besides listening to their problems, you can help them go out into normal society. Withdrawing feels like the right thing to do during depression, but it's much better to go out and do things, even if your friend is certain that they won't benefit from it.

Exercise also helps. Again, it will be difficult to convince a depressed person to do this. If you can, trying running with them a little bit each day.

[MaybeNormalQuestions]

Okay, so try to take them out. Like go to the movies or the park?

[Kinstrome]

Those are both good ideas. It depends where you are and what your life is like, and what this friend of yours is like, too.

If you know something he/she likes to talk about, try to get them going on that.

Or if you have a hobby or club you go to, get them engaged in whatever it is.

It isn't going to be easy, I know from being depressed that the last thing I wanted was to go out and do things. You just have to get them up and moving.

If it's situational depression, it won't be as hard to solve as clinical depression.

[MaybeNormalQuestions]

Alright cool. Thank you for the help.

[Kinstrome]

No problem. Good luck!

[JackieGraves]

My biggest suggestion is you help them find more help for themselves; unfortunately, just putting an arm around a good friend with a big problem can only be comforting and not a resolution. I would offer to attend a help group with them, or go to see a doctor with them - whatever the case may be. Help them through the process as much as you can, but understand that it's likely impossible for you to fix their problem on their own. You could even search and offer up some helpful books to them. Every little gesture counts.

[MaybeNormalQuestions]

Okay, I'll try to look for some books and help.

[JackieGraves]

That's a good idea. I wish you and your friend the best.

[MaybeNormalQuestions]

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I went to therapy, I realized it's really stupid. The best thing I can think of is to go outside and keep in touch with the outside world, the worst thing to do is sit at home and dwell on the problem.
I personally go through cycles of crying and then taking steps to resolve the problem, then I cry some more and it helps me feel better for a few days.

[MaybeNormalQuestions]

Go outside more. Got it.