Do you need some insight on how to support someone with depression? Maybe you haven’t been diagnosed with depression but you have times where you feel down, depressed, “blue”, or don’t have energy?
Unfortunately, depression is a common illness.
According to the World Health Organization, depression affects more than 300 million people of all ages around the globe, and is the leading cause of disability world wide (Source).
Depression can suck the life out of you at times. It can be difficult not only for the one who is dealing with it, but for their loved ones as well.
I would like to share with you 5 easy ways that you can support someone with depression.

1. How to Support Someone with Depression: Be There for Them
To me, the most important thing you can do for someone with depression is be there for them. Depression has a tendency to make people feel isolated.
It may appear as though they want to be alone but your presence could be the one thing that is keeping them going.
Be there for your friend or loved one while they are going through the depression, you presence is needed.
2. How to Support Someone with Depression: Listen to Them
This step is important. Sometimes your friend may not want to talk and if that is the case, then be comfortable sitting in the silence with them.
However, they may decide that they do want to share their feelings with you. Be prepared to listen to what they are telling you.
Listen, but don’t move too quick to tell them what they can do to make themselves better. Do not offer your cure for depression.
Don’t tell them to just “suck it up” or remind them that other people have it worse than they do. Chances are, your friend or family member is already beating themselves up.
Please, don’t add guilt by trying to “fix them” even if it makes you uncomfortable to just listen.
Related Post: How To Cope With Anxiety
3. How to Support Someone with Depression: Don’t Ask, Just do It!
Depression can take it’s toll not only on your mind but also on your physical body as well. While it is important that people with depression continue to be productive at something, they may not be able to handle cleaning the entire house, cooking dinner, or other big chores.
Instead of asking your friend what you can do to help, offer to do something. Instead of asking if they would like for you to cook dinner, tell them that you made extra food and you do not want it to go to waste and ask them when you can bring it over.
4. How to Support Someone with Depression: Pray for Them
As a Christian, I pray for my friends and family members who are experiencing depression that God would comfort them and give them peace in the midst of the darkness. Maybe you do not believe in Jesus but if you do, then you can pray for them.
Related Post: How To Tell Your Family You Have A Mental Illness
5. How to Support Someone with Depression: Reach Out
I struggle with depression myself and I have a friend who is AMAZING at doing this for me.
Whenever my friend has not heard from me in a while (I have a tendency to want to isolate myself when I am depressed), she will send me a quick meme, card in the mail, note, etc… letting me know that she is thinking of me and just how much I mean to her.
Her little words of encouragement are always sent at just the right time and are enough to remind me that I am loved and that my feelings are probably lying to me.
If you have a friend or family member who is struggling with depression right now, reach out to them.
Send them a quick text or email to let them know you are thinking of them. Send them a card in the mail and let them know when you saw it it made you think of them.
Believe me, reaching out to someone who is in need could make all the difference in the world.
Related Post: How To Be Productive With Depression
Conclusion
If you are struggling with depression, let me say this: You matter.
You have a story to tell and the world is better because you are in it. I know you may not feel like you are making a difference but to someone out there, you are the world.
Hold on, you’re gonna make it through this one second, one minute, one hour, one day at a time.
If you know someone who is struggling with depression make sure that you are there for them, listening to them, doing things for them, praying for them, and reaching out when you haven’t heard from them in a while.
Doing these things are how you are going to be able to support someone with depression even when you don’t think that you are able to.
You are someone’s lifeline right now. Keep reaching out.
Do you have a way that you support those who are dealing with depression that didn’t make this list? Be sure to share it in the comments below. Your thoughts could help someone experiencing depression right now.
About The Author

Miranda is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has experience in both community mental health and substance abuse. As someone who struggles with depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues, she is passionate about raising awareness for mental health issues, providing support for caregivers of those affected with mental health issues, and helping people find joy in the journey of life. Her passion is what led her to create her blog Miranda Rejoice which focuses on spiritual growth as well as health and wellness so that you can find help for your mind, body, and soul.
Be sure to read more of her writing at https://mirandarejoice.com
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I completely agree with 4 of those points.
Might I also add that just like Eeyore’s friends, keep including your friend suffering from depression when you hang out, and obviously when you go on adventures too
This is a great post with alot of helpful tips.
I know a couple people close to me who deal with depression and I appreciate the advice.
This is lovely advice for our friends and family.
Thank you!
This is such good advice! With the holidays coming up I’m sure this will come in handy.
Such great advice – thank you for sharing. This is super helpful !
This is great advice. I struggle with depression and this hits the nail on the head! Great post!
So glad it helps
Thank you for sharing this advice – I have several friends that will appreciate me knowing this.
Listening… listening is the key.
And also letting go that feeling of wanting to solve their problem for them. Just by listening we’re doing a lot!
Thanks for this post and for raising awareness, Jess! 🙂
Very practical advice here. You are right even when someone with depression says they want to be left alone it’s not a good idea to leave them all alone. Thanks for sharing!
https://www.ohwellyes.com
Great advice! Listening is so important.
Lovely, gentle advice. And a reminder that we need to reach out to others more, rather than imagining that they will ask for help!
Love this post. As someone with depression, I know that sometimes it can be the small things that mean the most. Even as simple as listening.
So true! So many come to therapy and the main reason they enjoy it is because i listen and validate their feelings and experiences
I’ve often seen advice or tips for people with depression saying that they should not be afraid to ask for help, etc but it’s (most of the time) just too hard to do that so it’s good to see advice that asks the loved ones of those who experience/live with depression to just step up and check on them. Having someone notice or just be aware and taking the time to be around to help/listen/step up is really good.
Really great post!
Great advice. It all sounds so easy but it’s about understanding what our loved ones need when they are struggling.
Brilliant post, very helpful x
This is really great and solid advice. Thank you so much for sharing.
LaTisha Perry | upandabroad.com
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