How to Keep a Friend From Being Depressed

If you notice your friend is constantly feeling down, has had significant changes in his eating or sleeping habits, and has lost interest in activities he once enjoyed for two or more weeks, he may be suffering from depression. While there is no way to stop a person from having depression, there are ways you can help a friend overcome his depression.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Helping a Friend With Depression

1. Talk to your friend about what she is experiencing. It is important to approach her in a friendly manner. If you are able to get her to open up to you, genuinely listen to what she is saying without interruption. It is important that you offer encouragement and support, instead of scolding or reprimanding her for her behavior. If you accuse her of bringing her depression upon herself, she will be more likely to avoid you and become more isolated.

2. Encouraging treatment is one of the best ways you can help a friend who suffers from depression. Professional treatment can help your friend to understand the causes of his depression and learn effective ways to cope with his condition. While most therapy sessions are conducted privately between the patient and therapist, you can offer to help your friend find treatment, or even take him to his first appointment.

3. Find ways to keep your friend involved in healthy activities that are easy for anyone to participate in. The Mayo Clinic notes that it is important that someone suffering from depression does not become isolated and suggests participating in healthy activities with family and friends on a regular basis. Isolation only allows depression symptoms and negative thought patterns to thrive. Keeping your activities simple will encourage your friend to experience positive interactions without feeling overwhelmed.

Tips & Warnings

• Engaging your friend in activities that can help reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga or painting will provide her with a healthy way to manage her feelings. The Mayo Clinic notes that exercise helps to curb depression symptoms by releasing chemicals in your brain that produce feelings of happiness.
• If your friend talks about harming himself or you are concerned that he may attempt suicide, call 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should a friend be left alone if he has become suicidal.

References

• Mayo Clinic on Coping with Depression
• Mayo Clinic on Exercise and Depression