How Family and Friends Can Support People with Depression

Depression is a complex and deeply personal experience. As someone who has experienced symptoms of depression, here are some things that helped me and made it easier for my family members to support me. Everyone’s experience with depression is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, I hope these tips offer guidance and support for families looking to show care, understanding, and support for people with depression.

Check In Regularly

If you know someone is experiencing depression and they aren’t reaching out, take the initiative to call or text them. Even if they don’t respond, knowing that someone cares can make a big difference. A simple message or voicemail can remind them that they are valued and not alone. Isolation can worsen depression, and regular check-ins can provide a sense of connection and reassurance that support is available if needed.

Encourage Socialization to Help People with Depression

Encourage your loved one to socialize in ways that feel comfortable for them. For me, engaging in conversations helps combat feelings of isolation. Even mundane topics—like daily activities, hobbies, or upcoming events—can serve as a distraction from depressive thoughts. I enjoy talking with friends about meals they’ve cooked or their experiences playing games like Magic: The Gathering.

When engaging with someone who has depression, avoid dismissing their feelings. Sometimes, they don’t need advice—just someone who listens. Try to keep conversations lighthearted when possible, and if humor feels appropriate, use it to bring some positivity into their day.

Spending time together, whether in person or virtually, can be incredibly beneficial. Activities like playing card games, watching TV shows, going for walks, volunteering together, or engaging in hobbies can offer a sense of companionship and purpose. My mom and I enjoy playing a game called Pitch, which brings us closer and offers a break from negative thoughts. My brother and I play video games every Saturday night.

Be Aware of Triggers

Depression can be triggered by stress and changes in the environment. Everyone has unique stressors, and being unsympathetic can lead to further isolation. Personally, major life transitions—such as graduating from college and job searching—have been particularly challenging. Understanding and acknowledging a person’s stressors can help you offer the right kind of support.

As you become aware of your loved one’s triggers, you can help them create a plan for navigating them in the future. This plan could include strategies that help them cope with symptoms of depression, what support they need from friends and family, and what signs or symptoms would indicate that they need additional professional support.

Advice from Those Who Have Experience

Spreading awareness about mental health can help eliminate stigma and foster a more supportive environment. Understanding the root cause of someone’s depression is essential, as different situations may require different approaches to treatment. Being involved in your loved one’s care will provide insight into their struggles and help them feel supported.

By learning more about depression and how to support a loved one, you’re helping to break the stigma around mental health. When mental health is treated like any other part of health care, it becomes easier for people to get the help they need – and more affordable, too.

Depression isn’t always something you can see on the outside, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. It’s not something someone can just “snap out of.” Your understanding and support can make a big difference in helping your loved one feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Respecting a person’s healing process is crucial. My relative who worked in a mental health field says that “Depression is a defense mechanism, and everyone manages it differently.” Encouraging therapy or professional help, when necessary, can also be beneficial.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

If depression leads to struggling so much that they are unable to manage daily tasks, or if they’re having suicidal thoughts, it is essential to seek immediate help. In life-threatening situations, call 911 or a crisis hotline like 988. Do not leave a person who is suicidal alone until they have professional help. For adults, inpatient care or hospitalization should be a last resort unless they consent to it. Minors, however, may require intervention if their safety is at risk.

After managing the crisis, offer to assist in finding a therapist. Depressive episodes can take time to pass, so patience and understanding go a long way in helping a loved one navigate their low periods. I hope this article provides helpful insights to friends and family members supporting loved ones with depression.

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Author

Lars Guo is a 28-year-old Asian writer with a passion for storytelling and making a difference. A cultural anthropology graduate from UMass Amherst, she aspires to become a professional writer, using her words to inspire, support, and create understanding. Through her blog, she shares insights and advice with the hope of helping even just one person—whether by improving well-being, bridging the gap between those with and without mental health struggles, or offering a sense of connection. She enjoys writing for this organization because its values align with her mission to foster empathy and positive change

Copy Editor

Nicole Tirone is a social worker turned adult learning expert with a passion for digital accessibility and plain language. She volunteers as an editor to help FFDA equip people with tools to support their loved ones. In her free time, Nicole enjoys podcasts, reading, painting, volunteering, and photography.