What can I do to support someone with depression?

Depression is challenging. To experience personally, and to watch someone we love go through. Feelings of sadness from time to time are a normal part of our emotional experiences. Depression differs from sadness in the extent to which it impacts our ability to carry out our day to day activities, and the duration we experience it for.  

Depression impacts the way a person feels, and also how they think and how they act. Depression can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and feelings of worthlessness. It can shift our behaviors towards not having any drive or motivation to do things, not wanting to get out of bed, not going to work or school, isolating from friends, and maybe not showering.

When supporting a loved one with depression, meet your friend or loved one where they are at. If they are feeling negative that day, suggesting that they look at things in a more positive light could come across as invalidating and not supportive. Let go of any judgements or expectations you may have had for them, and comparisons to what the person was like when they weren’t in their depressed state.

Encourage friend to get help. You could even try offering to go with them to appointments. Often times in depression we feel that we are not worthy of receiving help, but if we feel that we have to attend appointments because we made the commitment to a friend, this could get us there.

Invite friend to get active with you, or even just to leave the house for a short period. As we know, the way we think, feel and behave are all connected. If were are engaging in positive activities such as getting active or getting out of the house, we are more likely to experience positive emotions.

Medication and psychotherapy paired together is the ideal treatment for depression. As someone trying to support a friend or loved one with depression, know your limits as to how much help you are able to offer and when it might be time to reach out for professional support.