How to Help a Friend With a Serious Depression Problem

To help a friend with a serious depression problem, you must understand the causes of depression. Feeling down in the dumps stems from a number of connected factors such as brain chemical imbalances, non-positive thinking, traumatic life events and genetic characteristics. Support a depressed friend by identifying causes and getting professional assistance.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand depression. Know that responding to stressful events including job loss, death of a loved one, romantic challenges and financial difficulty sometimes cause despair. Learn about the differences between short-term blues and chronic gloominess. For example, despondency leading to the inability to eat, sleep or work often reflects major depression.

• 2

  Contact depression awareness and support groups. Find out what resources they have for people dealing with sadness. Connect a constantly unhappy friend with these groups.

• 3

  Offer thoughtful, comforting words to help a friend feeling melancholy. Tell him it is okay to experience despondency but at the same time help him move beyond the bleakness. Show compassion and patience. Additionally, encourage him by listening deeply and offering genuine support.

• 4

  Pair a depressed friend with clergy or counselors. Consider other coping tools such as reading support books, articles and literature to help a friend with a serious depression problem. Contemplate adopting a pet or taking up a hobby as other ways to cope.

• 5

  Engage in uplifting activities with a saddened friend. Take walks together, watch comedies or fun movies, play enjoyable games and do other activities that promote positive feelings. In addition, encourage healthy eating, regular exercise and avoidance of drugs or alcohol.