• Depression

How Do You Help Someone with Depression?

Published: July 07, 2025
Updated: July 07, 2025
4 mins

It’s not easy to see someone you love going through a hard time. Depression is a mental health condition that can be tricky to navigate for the person dealing with it. If you know a loved one who has been diagnosed with depression, the most important thing you can do is let them know that you’re there for them when they’re going through low periods. 

Giving support may not always look the same, depending on the severity of their depression and other factors in their life. Try your best to talk with them and understand when it’s best to give them time to themselves or make more time with them. Every experience with depression is unique, but there are general tips you can use to help your loved ones.

How Can a Support System Benefit Someone with Depression?

Having a strong support system can help someone with depression let go of any guilt they may harbor about not being able to show up how they want to for others when they’re experiencing depression symptoms. 

One of the most common depression symptoms is feeling a significant lack of energy. This can cause someone to be more reclusive than they usually would.

In some cases, they may even let you know directly that they feel more hopeless or lonelier than usual. It’s normal to want to improve their mood right away. However, practicing patience is crucial when providing support that allows them to continue to feel in control.

10 Tips for Helping Someone You Know with Depression

1. Listen attentively.

If they are open to talk, make sure to give them as much undivided attention as possible. Being an active listener for someone can help them feel confident to tell you how they are feeling, even if they’re not sure when they’re going to feel okay again.

2. Offer to bring them food.

Some people may want to be alone when they’re feeling depressed. During that time, it can be difficult for them to want to get up and do everyday tasks like cooking food. Eating well is a key component of taking care of yourself. 

Not eating as much as you should or only eating unhealthy food consistently is a common symptom of depression. Offering to bring over a meal or helping them order takeout can help ensure they have one good meal a day. 

3. Check in with loved ones regularly.

If someone you know deals with depression, it can help to check in on them every now and then. Sending a text message asking how they are doing or asking to chat for a bit can make them feel cared for, even from far away.

4. Respect boundaries.

Sometimes it’s not always a good idea to go out of your way to communicate with someone when they’re not ready. If a friend or family member is asking for space, respect their boundaries and give them the time they need. 

If needed, offer to help them get access to professional help if they express any thought about self-harm. Not everyone with depression experiences suicidal ideation, but it’s important to take immediate action if it occurs.

5. Take time to care for yourself, too.

When you’re caring for someone, it can take a lot of energy out of you as well. Be sure to check in with yourself and how you’re feeling to avoid getting overwhelmed. Practicing mindfulness practices and deep breathing techniques can help you manage the stress and worry you may feel about a loved one managing depression.

6. Offer to bring loved ones useful household essentials.

Some depressive episodes can look like spending days in bed without much sunlight. Household items like sun lamps may help them feel more energized from the influx of artificial light.

7. Learn more about what they may be feeling.

It can be difficult to understand what depression feels like if you’ve never experienced it. Occasional feelings of sadness from traumatic events in your life or something you witnessed is a normal occurrence for everyone. However, depression changes the chemical composition of the brain in a way that can exacerbate those emotions and in some cases, become debilitating.

8. If appropriate, encourage physical activity with your friend.

Getting active doesn’t always mean working out. While it may not seem directly related to your mental health, engaging in physical activity can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin plays a major role in mood regulation. 

Make sure your loved one feels comfortable enough to want to dance, go for a walk, do yoga, or any other fun physical activities.

9. Think about relaxing activities you could do together.

Low-intensity activities like sewing, doing a puzzle, or watching a movie with a friend can help them feel supported. This can be especially helpful for a friend who feels low energy, but doesn’t want to spend all of their time alone.

10. Make sure to offer validation and encouragement.

Depression can lead to negative thoughts about oneself and the environment around someone. They may also feel more irritable than usual. Avoid starting any arguments with them when they may not be at their best. Try to lead with compassion and encouraging words to avoid further escalating the situation.

What to Avoid When Caring for Someone with Depression

Always keep in mind that it’s not easy to ask for help when you’re depressed. When someone you know is dealing with depression, steer clear of minimizing what they’re going through. Phrases like “just cheer up” or “there’s no reason to be sad” are triggering and can make them feel unsupported and misunderstood. 

Even if you don’t understand what a loved one is going through, lend a listening ear without judgment. In some cases, it may be best to simply offer companionship and let them know that you’re there for them when they need you.

Where Can I Learn More About Managing Depression?

Once a loved one has been diagnosed with depression, a healthcare provider will begin working with them on a treatment plan. However, managing depression is an everyday challenge that those around them may want to help them manage as well.

With LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can help you understand more about your treatment options and how to help others who are living with depression. LifeMD-affiliated healthcare providers can prescribe FDA-approved medications for depression like Prozac (fluoxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Lexapro (escitalopram), if appropriate. 

Get started today by learning more about how to optimize your mental health.

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