Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Depression: Supporting Someone Who Is Depressed

Table of Contents


Overview

If someone you care about has been diagnosed with depression, you may feel helpless. Maybe you're watching a once-vibrant person become inactive or seeing a good friend lose interest in things they used to enjoy.

Most people with depression need some type of treatment. Counseling and medicine usually work well to treat depression. Sometimes counseling alone is enough. Often a combination of the two works best.


How can you help someone who is depressed?

If someone you care about has been diagnosed with depression, here are some things you can do to support them.


Credits for Depression: Supporting Someone Who Is Depressed

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.