Act now to defeat depression.

Depression isn’t something to simply “snap out of.” It’s a serious illness.
Please help us raise awareness. And raise research dollars.

IN CRISIS?

If someone you know is suicidal, immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at

1-800-273-8255 or call 911

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Here are some suggestions on how you can help

Offer an ear

Ask questions and listen to the answers. If you haven’t suffered from depression, it can be difficult to understand what it’s like, so go easy on the advice.

Gently suggest getting a doctor’s help

If your loved one isn’t getting help from either a medical doctor or a therapist, gently suggest that he or she seek help. The first step is to see a primary care physician.

Form a community

Rally other friends or family members to help support the person with depression. It’s hard to take it all on your own shoulders.

Learn about your loved one’s treatment plan

If you’re involved in the person’s care, make sure you know what the treatment plan is. If possible, have the person give permission to his or her doctor to communicate with you.

Some Do's for conversations

  • Do find the root causes
  • Do find a quiet place to talk
  • Do let them know they’re not alone
  • Do tell them that depression is a treatable medical illness
  • Do tell them that the way they’re feeling will change, even if they don’t believe it now
  • Do encourage them to seek professional help
  • Do challenge negative thinking, but be gentle
  • Do encourage them to join a support group

Some Dont's for conversations

  • Don’t say you know what they’re going through. Unless you’ve had depression, it’s hard to understand the despair it can cause
  • Don’t say that everyone gets depressed sometimes. Depression is a serious illness; it’s much different than just feeling down
  • Don’t say they have no reason to be depressed. They do
  • Don’t offer medical advice. This is a doctor’s territory
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