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What are the guidelines to helping a friend with depression?
assistant
1. Listen and be patient. Understand that it’s not easy and be respectful of your friend's emotions.
2. Offer emotional support and comfort instead of offering advice or criticism.
3. Encourage your friend to seek professional help, like seeing a therapist or taking medication.
4. Ask your friend how you can best help them and what they find helpful or comforting.
5. Limit judgement or criticism and avoid placing blame.
6. Be encouraging, spend time with them, and remind them of positive things in their life.
7. Educate yourself on depression and related mental health topics, if possible.
8. Avoid dictating what they should or should not do and respect their autonomy.
9. Make sure to take care of yourself during this time too.