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Just Call Me Jess

Mood Disorders and Mindfulness

August 31, 2019

5 Easy Ways To Support Someone with Depression

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. 

5 super easy ways to support someone with depression text with girl on a bridge

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

Follow her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/mirandarejoiceblog 

Follow her on Pinterest at: www.pinterest.com/mirandarejoice.  

Filed in: Depression • by justjess18 • 20 Comments

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About justjess18

Comments

  1. Unwanted Life

    September 3, 2019 at 12:02 pm

    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

    Reply
  2. Amy

    September 3, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Sarah McLain

    September 4, 2019 at 8:37 pm

    This is lovely advice for our friends and family.

    Reply
    • justjess18

      September 4, 2019 at 9:07 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
    • Cassie

      September 19, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      This is such good advice! With the holidays coming up I’m sure this will come in handy.

      Reply
  4. Amanda

    September 4, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    Such great advice – thank you for sharing. This is super helpful !

    Reply
    • Andrea

      September 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      This is great advice. I struggle with depression and this hits the nail on the head! Great post!

      Reply
      • justjess18

        September 20, 2019 at 10:17 pm

        So glad it helps

        Reply
  5. Lisa Marie Alioto

    September 4, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    Thank you for sharing this advice – I have several friends that will appreciate me knowing this.

    Reply
  6. aimlief

    September 4, 2019 at 10:53 pm

    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! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Suktara

    September 5, 2019 at 3:13 am

    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

    Reply
  8. RJ

    September 5, 2019 at 1:00 pm

    Great advice! Listening is so important.

    Reply
  9. Beth Gray

    September 6, 2019 at 2:04 am

    Lovely, gentle advice. And a reminder that we need to reach out to others more, rather than imagining that they will ask for help!

    Reply
  10. Nyxie

    September 7, 2019 at 9:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • justjess18

      September 7, 2019 at 10:25 pm

      So true! So many come to therapy and the main reason they enjoy it is because i listen and validate their feelings and experiences

      Reply
  11. Molly @ Transatlantic Notes

    September 19, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    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!

    Reply
  12. Claire

    October 9, 2019 at 3:49 pm

    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

    Reply
  13. LaTisha Perry

    January 7, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    This is really great and solid advice. Thank you so much for sharing.

    LaTisha Perry | upandabroad.com

    Reply
    • justjess18

      January 8, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      Thank you for stopping by & reading

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 3 Easy Tips For Helping Someone With Depression - Just Call Me Jess says:
    July 22, 2020 at 6:48 pm

    […] uttered the ignorant words “just stop being sad” to individuals I have come across with depression, including family […]

    Reply

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As a licensed social worker working in an adult community mental health center in the South, Jess seeks to spread awareness and educate those who may otherwise never gain mental health information.

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