If your friend is feeling depressed, it can be difficult to know what to say or do. Depression affects both emotional and physical well-being, and having supportive people around can make a meaningful difference in recovery.
Offering understanding, patience, and encouragement can help your friend feel less alone during a challenging time.
Below are practical, therapist-approved ways you can support a friend who may be struggling with depression.
Let your friend know you are there to listen openly and without criticism. Create a safe space where they can share their thoughts and emotions honestly.
Avoid interrupting, minimizing their experiences, or immediately offering solutions unless they ask. Sometimes, being heard is more powerful than advice.
Acknowledge what they are experiencing. Let them know their emotions are real and understandable.
Statements like “That sounds really hard” or “I’m glad you told me” help reduce shame and encourage open communication. Avoid dismissing their feelings or telling them to “just stay positive.”
Depression often requires professional guidance. Encourage your friend to consider therapy or counseling with a licensed mental health professional.
You can offer help finding local resources, scheduling appointments, or even accompanying them if they feel anxious about the first visit. Therapy provides evidence-based tools for managing depression and emotional distress.
Depression is not something that resolves overnight. Recovery can include ups and downs.
Be patient, remain supportive, and let your friend know you are available even when they don’t feel like talking. Consistency builds trust and safety.
Depression can make everyday tasks overwhelming. Small actions can go a long way.
Offer to cook a meal, run errands, help with household chores, or simply sit together. These simple gestures can reduce stress and show genuine care.
Encourage activities that promote emotional and physical well-being, such as:
Light exercise or walks
Relaxation techniques
Hobbies they enjoy
Spending time outdoors
Healthy eating and sleep routines
Avoid pressuring them, but gently support habits that help stabilize mood and energy.
Isolation can worsen depression. Regular check-ins — even short texts or calls — remind your friend they are not alone.
If they feel up to it, plan low-pressure activities like watching a movie, taking a walk, or having coffee together.
Understanding depression helps you provide better support. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies so you can respond with empathy and awareness.
Knowing what your friend may be experiencing makes your support more effective and meaningful.
While your support matters, professional mental health care is essential if depression persists or worsens. Encourage your friend to reach out to a licensed therapist or counselor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Pearlman & Associates is a trusted mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, St. Louis, Missouri, serving kids, teens, adults, couples, and families.
The team of licensed therapists specializes in:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Relationships
Emotional wellness
Phone: 314-942-1147
Email: bryan@stlmentalhealth.com
Website: https://www.stlmentalhealth.com
Address: 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141
If you or someone you care about is struggling, compassionate local support is available.
https://www.stlmentalhealth.com/summer-depression-what-you-need-to-know-coping-strategies/
https://www.intrepidmentalhealth.com/blog/10-ways-you-can-help-a-friend-with-depression
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-help-a-depressed-friend
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/ways-to-support-a-depressed-friend/
https://www.psycom.net/depression/how-to-help-a-friend-with-depression
