The best thing you can do is listen to your loved one talk about the depression. Be prepared to hear anything that he or she may say. Try not to look too shocked even if he or she is saying something truly awful, because that will shut them down. Be open and caring. Listen without judgement.  If your loved one will not talk, try asking a few gently phrased questions. This might help him open up. Try asking how he spent his week, for example. When your loved one tells you something upsetting, encourage him or her by saying, "It must have been very difficult for you to tell me that," or "Thank you so much for opening up." Put away your phone, make eye contact, and show that you are giving 100 percent of your effort to your conversation. What a person suffering from depression needs most is compassion and understanding. Not only do you have to listen well, but you need to be sensitive about what you say when you talk about the depression. These are some helpful phrases to use when talking with your loved one:  You are not alone in this. I'm here for you. I understand you have a real illness and that's what causes these thoughts and feelings. You may not believe it now, but the way you're feeling will change. I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help. You are important to me. Your life is important to me. ” Telling someone to "snap out of it" or "lighten up" isn't usually a helpful thing to say. Be sensitive. Imagine feeling like the world is against you and everything is falling apart. What would you want to hear? Realize that depression is a very real and painful state for the sufferer. Don’t use phrases like these:  It's all in your head. We all go through times like this. You'll be fine. Stop worrying. Look on the bright side. You have so much to live for; why do you want to die? Stop acting crazy. What's wrong with you? Shouldn't you be better by now? Don’t try to talk the depressed person out of his or her feelings. The depressed person’s feelings may be irrational, but saying that he or she is wrong or arguing with him or her is not the way to go. Instead, you might try saying, "I’m sorry that you’re feeling bad. What can I do to help?" Be aware that your loved one may not be honest about how bad he is feeling. Many depressed people are ashamed of their condition and lie about their depression. If you ask, "Are you okay?," and he says, “Yes,” think about asking in a different way to get at how he really feels. When talking with your loved one, try to hold as much positive conversation as possible. Don't be forcefully perky, but show your friend a better angle of their life and situation.
كن مستمعًا جيدًا. أعره انتباهك الكامل. اعلم ما يجب قوله. لا تخبره أن يتخلص من الاكتئاب. لا تناقش صديقك فيما يشعر به. ساعد صديقك على رؤية الجوانب المشرقة.