How to Help a Friend in Need When You Can't Be There Physically

A friend far away is not unreachable.

When a friend is depressed or in need and your location limits your ability to help, you must find a way around it. A friend in need requires your support; with today's technology making the world smaller in terms of communication, you can always be there for your friend --- regardless of your actual location. You can help a friend who is not in need of psychological support by mailing him a letter, card or care package.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Skype access
• Phone

Instructions

1. Call your friend, using Skype or other video conferencing software. Talk to him about his depression and let him know you care about his feelings by validating his pain. Use supportive language and let him know that you are willing to help. Continue to video conference regularly, so that he knows he has your support. Play some of your friend's favorite music right before you call, so that it will be the first thing he hears when he answers and sees your smiling face.

2. Talk to your friend on the phone regularly. Ask him about any progress that he has made, and tell him about what you do to cheer up when you are depressed. Distracting your friend from his depression by talking to him about other things will remind him that there is still a world out there for him to participate in.

3. Send your friend a supportive letter that encourages him to take part in everyday life --- a funny card helps. Suggest healthy activities like exercise and possibly psychological therapy. Tell him stories about your recent experiences and explain how you have managed to overcome any sort of depression that you have experienced. Always ask him to call whenever he needs someone to talk to, as this will remind him that you are there for him.

4. Ship your friend a care package filled with things that he loves or might need. If he is a meat lover, send a box filled with assorted gourmet sausages and cheeses. If he is a comic book fan, you can send him a few issues of his favorite comic or perhaps a few action figures from said comic. A mustache enthusiast will enjoy a set of fake mustaches accompanied by a doctored photo of you with a mustache superimposed on your upper lip.

References

• Psychology Today; How to Help a Depressed Friend (and When to Stop Trying): Part 2; Jenna Bradley; June 2009
• Depression Help for You: Some Do's and Don'ts When Helping Someone Who Is Depressed