SUPPORTING SOMEONE WITH DEPRESSION

Depression can affect anyone, it is illness and sadly is a quiet one with so much internal suffering. Any person can develop depression even if they have a "good life" with seemingly nothing to be upset about.

Those suffering depression will isolate themselves from family and friends and fail to keep in touch with those who care. This is a result of who they are feeling about themselves and their life, not you.

Here Are Some Ways To Support Them:

Accept you may not fully understand their illness.
Avoid saying “get over it” or dismissing their feelings.
Encourage professional help (counselling/therapy) and make it easier by sharing contacts.
Reach out regularly (text, call, email, visit) even if they don’t reply.
Offer kindness—drop off coffee, food, or small gestures.
Listen without fixing—your presence matters.
Take suicidal thoughts seriously and seek immediate help if needed.
Look after yourself—maintain sleep, exercise, good food, and self-care.
Invite them to social events with no pressure to commit.
Be patient—there will be ups and downs.
Offer help with tasks, but try to do it alongside them rather than for them.

What Not to Do

Don’t take their behaviour personally.
Don’t try to “fix” them.
Don’t make their struggle your whole life.
Don’t compare or belittle their experience.