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One in six people will experience serious depression during their lifetime, and knowing what to say and how to act around them can help them cope with the condition better.
From the HuffPost website come these suggestions for helping friends and family deal with their depression:
Listen. Don’t offer solutions or try to “fix” things. Most people with depression have heard suggestions. They mostly just want someone to listen to them.
Help out. Many people with depression find themselves unable to perform everyday, routine tasks. Offer to do some household chores that they can’t handle.
Make specific offers. Don’t just say, “Is there anything I can do?” Instead, volunteer with specific suggestions: “Can I do your laundry?” or, “Would you like me to take you grocery shopping?”
Be patient. Try to remember what they’re going through. If they’re sad, frustrated, or lethargic, don’t insist that they feel better. Reassure them that you still care about them.
Send a quick text. A joke or cartoon can brighten your friend’s day and signal that you’re thinking of him or her.
Don’t take things personally. Depressed people sometimes resist efforts to help. They may withdraw into themselves and shut others out. Don’t abandon them. Remember that it’s the depression talking, not the person inside.
Offer reassurance. Don’t be a Pollyanna, but remind them that they’re good people and strong enough to get over this. Even if they don’t respond, hearing such reassuring words will help.
Tell them it’s all right. Don’t blame them for their depression, nor let them blame themselves. Tell them that it’s OK not to feel OK all the time.
Share small gifts. Bring a treat or some flowers, or send a card letting them know you’re thinking of them. A small gesture can mean a lot to someone who’s depressed.