Would you help a depressed friend?

12 Comments

Let's say you have a friend who you suspect is depressed. Maybe they've told you they're struggling with depression. What do you do?

Avoid them until it's over. They'll perk up eventually. 2
Tell them to get over it, you don't want them to be depressed. 4
Inform them they have nothing to be depressed about. 6
Tell them to get some counselling and leave it at that. 5
Forward them some links to websites about depression. 3
Let them know you're there for them and you care. 110
Give them a hug. 13
Act as if they never told you. You have your own problems to deal with 7
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Comments ( 12 )
  • Karmasbitch
    10 years ago

    I'd listen, always be down for listening to my friends thoughts/feelings even if I don't understand them. Offer the best advice I would know to give given the situation, and let them know they can talk to me anytime without having to worry about judgement.

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  • sanan22
    10 years ago

    having had depressions on and off myself for the past 15 years, I know that showing *support* is pretty much the biggest help for depressed people.

    seriously, you don't need to be a professional to understand basic human needs and the reactions to lack of them. we are all humans after all!

    try to get them to open up and be personal, that way they know you're taking the seriously and that you care. try to follow their train-of-thought and give advice accordingly (many people don't even want any advice but to be heard and understood)

    don't try to find their "symptoms" or "diagnosis", don't mention medication or professional help as these things makes the situation WORSE for several reasons, among them are:
    1- in most cases "new symptoms" appear just because the possibility of some "diagnosis" is introduced
    2- they're generic and non-personal, which in a depressed person's mind translates to "not caring much"
    3- very few depressions are biological. most of them are environmental and require small changes which are natural.

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  • OnThisEpisodeofLife
    10 years ago

    mental health is no joke. Just be there and pray the through.

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  • Anonymous Post Author
    10 years ago

    As someone who's currently dealing with clinical depression, I can say the reaction I've received from people in my life is mixed. Some are supportive and some aren't.

    You really do find out who truly cares about you and who doesn't. It is painful to ask for help from someone you trust and have them turn your back on you. Then there are the people who tell you to "cheer up" and get over it. Wow, you think? I've even been told I don't have any "real" problems to be sad about.

    All I've really wanted is to be listened to, maybe get a hug, and to be reassured that I'll be loved and wanted no matter how low I'm feeling.

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    • thegypsysailor
      10 years ago

      You know, depression is one of those things you choose to give in to or not. Nobody can help you, they can support your efforts to get out of your depression, but it's you who has to choose to do something.
      No doctor nor their drugs can do it either. You just have to make up your mind that you've had enough.
      Also, most of us have many acquaintances, but few friends; a friend is someone who is there for you even if it is inconvenient for them.

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  • GreyWulfen
    10 years ago

    A hug can solve many problems.

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    • RoseIsabella
      10 years ago

      Hugs not drugs baby, except for weed indeed.

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  • Anime7
    10 years ago

    In my experience depressed people aren't the best people to deal with. They're never really reaching for help, they're always angry at the world. I'd help, and by that I mean offer my ear and be there for them. But if they just shun me away, and expect me to like come fight to break down their walls, well that's a little ridicules. I want to help, but I can't if you won't meet me half way.

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  • Nokiot9
    8 years ago

    You just emotionally rape them till they shoot themselves. WTFF kind of question is this?

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago

    I don't believe in 'friends"...

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  • Holzman_67
    10 years ago

    Empathy, advice and recommended counselling.

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  • dybex
    10 years ago

    I'm not a fan of alternative medicine, but I've found that regular exercise can help with depression. If that doesn't help then I'd tell them to get counselling.

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