How to Comfort a Depressed Friend

Approximately eight percent of the U.S. population meets the diagnostic criteria for major depression in any given year. Biochemical imbalances and environmental stressors cause depression, and warning signs include cognitive symptoms, such as feelings of worthlessness, and physical symptoms, such as appetite and sleep disruptions. Those afflicted with depression often describe feeling as though there is no pleasure in life. According to Hara Estroff Marano of "Psychology Today," depression is a "Catch-22 illness," because "the things a person needs to do to get well are the very things the illness makes it difficult for any person to do." You can serve as an important source of support to a friend taking the first steps toward recovering from depression.

Instructions

Listen and Empathize

• 1

  Appreciate depression as a serious condition. As Marano points out, people suffering from depression are often told to "just snap out of it." Depression can result in long-term biochemical changes in the brain that make recovery difficult.

• 2

  Listen to your friend and avoid dispensing easy-sounding advice. While a change in diet or exercise, seeing friends more regularly or thinking positively are all steps your friend will take in overcoming her depression, the symptoms of depression make these challenging tasks that she will work hard to achieve. Listen to and encourage your friend in taking the first steps toward recovery without pushing too hard.

• 3

  Keep in touch. Social support is important to recovering from depression.

  Check in regularly. Call or email your friend to check in and offer your support. Even if you don't get a response, persist. As psychologist Jon G. Allen notes, "When you're depressed, you most need support from others, but depression is likely to undermine potentially supportive relationships." However, if you remain available, your friend will have a place to turn for help if he needs it.

• 4

  Be patient. People with depression often reject help and companionship from friends and family. This is a component of the disorder, and alienation tends to make depression worse. Don't take it personally.

Get Out and Get Active

• 5

  Low-key activities, like seeing a movie, are good ways for people with depression to get out.

  Schedule a get-together or an outing. "Cultivate supportive relationships" is the top tip that the non-profit mental health support network Help Guide recommends for overcoming depression. However, this can be a difficult step for people with depression to take. Make the first move by setting up a date with your friend for lunch, coffee or a movie.

• 6

  Take a walk. Exercise releases neurochemicals in the brain that act much in the same way as depression medications do. Exposure to sunlight also aids in recovery from depression. Even brief spells of exercise can boost your friend's mood.

• 7

  Cook a meal. Poor diet can also worsen depression, and people affected by depression often lack the energy to cook a meal for themselves. Cook a meal for your friend and enjoy it together.