Do you have a friend who seems to be depressed?
Do they have the following symptoms?
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Appetite or weight changes
- Sleep changes
- Anger or irritability
- Loss of energy
- Self-loathing
- Reckless behavior
Those are the symptoms and signs of depression. If you have a friend who is dealing with depression, you may be wondering how you can help. I’ve enlisted the help of others who have dealt with depression themselves. They are sharing some great advice on what do to and what not to do to help a depressed friend.
Paula said her family can notice her depression fairly quickly. She said they can help by reminding her that “this too shall pass.”
Honestly, if I am struggling, I need to simplify and usually be alone for a while. It also helps when my hubby hugs me. Sometimes we need to be reminded that its all going to be OK.
Hayley from Daisy Change said it really depends on the friend to know what is best to do to help. Sometimes, you can suggest a fun activity, while other times they may need alone time to work through the depression.
The number one piece of advice for anyone with depressed loved ones is to arm yourself with knowledge. Just doing your research may seem like a little thing, but the time taken to try to understand a person suffering with depression will be extremely appreciated. The worst things you can do is tell a depressed person to snap out of it or bark orders at them. Just show them love and please be patient.
Emily agreed that educating yourself is very important.
Learn about depression and what people go through when they experience it. Get online and read stories from people who have depression and other mental/emotional health problems. Learn to understand, even if you can never fully understand.
Of course, if you are reading this post then you are doing just that. Thanks for taking the time to care enough for your friend to find ways to help.
Emily also said to know when not to give your friend advice.
Although your “advice” may be well intended, it is very easy to make a depressed person feel worse or guilty for being depressed. One should not have to apologize for feeling bad. Because it’s not their fault. It’s not about trying to get attention, it’s not something they can just “snap out of,” and it’s not a character flaw. It’s a chemistry flaw.
Ashley said, on the other hand, friends need to be able to dig deep to find out what’s going on with the friend.
Friends and family have to ask the tough questions. My husband will flat out ask me if I’m sinking into depression. He encourages me to keep up with my hobbies if they start to slip. He gets out and gets active with me, and he prays over me and with me. He reminds me that this isn’t the end.
Katie from Our Seasons of Grace said it helps her when her loved ones acknowledge her depression rather than brushing it off as a “down day.” She finds comfort in hugs.
Sometimes it helps just having your friends or family around. They do not have to do anything, but just hang out. I feel encouraged when I have my friends texting me to say they are praying for me too.
Other tips on how to help a depressed friend:
- Help them find a counselor to talk to. You can even offer to go with them to the first visit if they are nervous.
- Encourage them to see a doctor and make a list of their symptoms for their appointment.
- Listen. Be available when they are ready to talk.
What other things would you add?
You can follow my board Encouragement on Pinterest. You may also want to read Ways to Fight Depression.