How can I help a friend or relative who is depressed?

If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The first and most important thing you can do to help a friend or relative who has depression is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment on behalf of your friend or relative and go with him or her to see the doctor. Encourage him or her to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after six to eight weeks.

To help a friend or relative:

• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.
  
• Engage your friend or relative in conversation, and listen carefully.
  
• Never disparage feelings your friend or relative expresses, but point out realities and offer hope.
  
• Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend's or relative's therapist or doctor.
  
• Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure.
  
• our friend or relative that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.