How to Make a Depressed Friend Feel Better
Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The odds indicate that you may know someone suffering from depression at some point. This may be a close friend of yours. You may feel powerless, not knowing how to help your friend. It can hurt watching someone you care about feel so down on himself and the world around him. But you can be of help. There are a few things you can do to make your friend feel better. While depression will not heal overnight, maybe you can make a little difference in your friend's life.
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Instructions
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Listen to him. He may need to talk. He may feel many emotions at this time in his life. Let him ramble on if necessary. Don't interject your feelings. Allow him to express the pain he is feeling without being afraid of your reactions.
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Ask her for ways in which you can help. Let her know you are there for her within reason. Prompt her to give you some ideas for helping her, such as being there for late-night phone calls.
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Let your friend know how much you care for him. Let him know his friendship is important to you. He may be feeling alone, as if no one cares. Explain how happy you are to have him in your life.
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Take your friend out. Do something fun with her, such as going to a movie. Sometimes, a depressed person just wants to sit around the house. The person may start to wallow in her misery. She needs to get out and enjoy life again, even if it's just going out to dinner.
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Find a support group. Go to a meeting with your friend to encourage him. There are many support groups out there for depressed people. Your friend may feel better talking to others who are in the same situation.
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Speak to the friend about counseling if she appears to be getting worse. She may be resistant, so don't try to push. Gently tell her she might feel better speaking to a counselor. Explain that speaking to a counselor is common for many people experiencing depression.
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Speak to your friend's family. You may need help from the family. So call them and explain your fears and worries.
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Tips & Warnings
Seek professional help if your friend appears to be getting worse or you fear he may hurt himself.
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Resources
- Photo Credit depressed man image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
