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Step 1
Encourage your friend to get help. This is often something that they have to do for themselves. Ask if they recognize that their depression is becoming a problem. Plan out where they can get the help if they choose to do so because this can seem too overwhelming for a depressed person to tackle.
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Step 2
Do research. At some point your friend will probably say "You don't know how it feels." Read accounts of depression & other's experiences. You can't know how it feels but you can find solutions that have helped others.
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Step 3
Talk it out. Your friend may just need an outlet for their feelings. Let them know that you are there anytime they need to talk. You can offer solutions that may have been overlooked.
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Step 4
Set boundaries. Acknowledge that your friend is depressed but don't enable them. Depression isn't a key to do whatever you want or disregard people's feelings. Tell them that they can be sad, but not mean.
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Step 5
Push, but not too hard. Your friend may just need a change of pace. Try different things & encourage your friend to get out. Recognize when no means no.
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Step 6
Stick around. Depression can last for a few weeks, or even years. A supportive friend can keep someone going through mental illness.
