How to Support a Friend Who’s Dealing with Depression

Published by Next Step Psychiatry · Lilburn, GA

When someone you care about is struggling with depression, it can feel helpless watching from the sidelines. You want to fix things, but depression isn’t something you can simply talk someone out of. The good news is that your support matters more than you think—and there are concrete ways to show up for your friend without overstepping.

Recognizing the Signs

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Your friend might seem irritable, withdrawn, or simply “off.” Watch for these common indicators:

• Pulling away from plans, texts, and social gatherings
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities they used to love
• Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns
• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Unusual irritability or emotional outbursts
• Talking about feeling worthless or hopeless
• Mentioning death or self-harm (take this seriously and act immediately)

What You Can Do

Start the Conversation

You don’t need a script. A simple “I’ve noticed you seem down lately, and I care about you” opens the door. Choose a private, low-pressure setting—maybe over coffee at a quiet Gwinnett County café or during a walk at one of Lilburn’s local parks.

Listen Without Fixing

Resist the urge to offer solutions. Sometimes your friend just needs to feel heard. Validate their experience with phrases like “That sounds really hard” instead of “Have you tried exercising more?”

Stay Present and Consistent

Depression often makes people isolate. Keep reaching out even if they don’t respond right away. A text saying “No need to reply—just thinking of you” can mean the world.

Help with Practical Tasks

When motivation is low, everyday tasks pile up. Offering to grab groceries, drive them to an appointment, or simply sit with them while they tackle chores can remove enormous pressure.

Encourage Professional Help

Gently suggest speaking with a mental health professional. You might say, “I know a psychiatry practice in Lilburn that a lot of people recommend—would you like me to help you make an appointment?” At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C specialize in depression treatment including medication management and Spravato for treatment-resistant cases.

What Not to Do

• Don’t minimize their feelings (“Everyone gets sad sometimes”)
• Don’t compare their situation to others
• Don’t give ultimatums or guilt-trip them into getting better
• Don’t forget to take care of your own mental health too

Take Care of Yourself Too

Supporting a depressed friend is emotionally demanding. Set healthy boundaries, lean on your own support system, and remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.