Source-linked ways to support someone with depression, from first worries to a crisis. Check the actions that fit, then save or print them.Download our weekly mood and medicine logDownload PDFAbout the log
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Invite them for walks, outings, and activities they used to enjoy, without pressure.
Physical activity can boost mood, and shared activities keep connection going when the person is pulling away.
National Institute on Aging · Depression and older adultsJoin them in activities they enjoy and listen for clues they feel sad, numb, or empty for long periods.
Social isolation and loneliness are linked to a higher risk of depression in older adults.
National Institute on Aging · Depression and older adultsEncourage a talk with a health care provider, help get to appointments, and take on daily tasks like caring for the baby or home.
Spouses, partners, family, and friends may be the first to notice signs of depression in a new mother. Treatment is central to recovery.
National Institute of Mental Health · Perinatal depressionIf a teen has felt sad most of the time for a few weeks or more, encourage them to talk with a parent or guardian, teacher, school counselor, or doctor.
Depression in teens can look like frustration, anger, dropping grades, or pulling away from friends and family.
National Institute of Mental Health · Teen depressionBe willing to listen and accept their feelings. Do not debate whether suicide is right or wrong or lecture on the value of life.
Acknowledge what they say, even with a nod, and repeat or summarize what you hear to show you are trying to understand.
988 Lifeline · Help someone elseOffer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement, and remind them that with time and treatment depression can lift.
Depression is a medical condition that needs treatment from a doctor. Family and friends help by offering support in finding treatment.
National Institute on Aging · Depression and older adultsHelp the person see a health care provider or mental health professional about what you have noticed.
Only a provider can diagnose depression. A primary care provider is a good place to start and can refer on.
National Institute of Mental Health · DepressionSupporting someone through a hard time can bring up difficult emotions. If it does, reach out for support yourself.
You can contact 988 at any time for help if someone you care about is struggling.
988 Lifeline · Help someone elseHelp them stick to their plan, for example with reminders to take prescribed medicine.
Antidepressants usually take 4-8 weeks to work. Encourage them not to stop a medicine without talking to the prescriber.
National Institute of Mental Health · DepressionIn the first weeks and after any dose change, watch for new or worse mood, talk of suicide, agitation, severe sleep problems, or acting very differently.
Call the prescriber right away if these appear. Call 911 if the person tries to hurt themselves or talks about a specific plan.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · Depression medicinesHelp set up appointments, offer rides or make sure transportation is sorted, and go along if they want company.
Missing appointments is easy when energy is low. Practical help makes it easier to stick with care.
National Institute of Mental Health · DepressionConnect with a local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliate in your state for family support.
Family members and caregivers often play a large role in supporting someone with a mental illness. You are not alone.
National Alliance on Mental Illness · Family members and caregiversBe direct and talk openly about whether they are depressed or thinking about suicide. It may be uncomfortable, but it matters.
Asking if someone is thinking about suicide will not make them more likely to act on it. Your questions may help them open up and seek treatment.
National Institute on Aging · Depression and older adultsTalking about wanting to die or being a burden, feeling trapped or hopeless, making a plan, giving things away, or using more alcohol or drugs are warning signs.
Get help as soon as possible, especially if the behavior is new or has increased. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
National Institute of Mental Health · Warning signs of suicideIf someone tells you about a plan to hurt themselves, contact 988 or encourage them to reach out. Do not be sworn to secrecy.
Help keep them safe by removing means such as weapons or pills, and get help from people who specialize in crisis support.
988 Lifeline · Help someone elseDelusions, hallucinations, extreme high mood, paranoia, or confusion after childbirth need immediate help: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that requires hospitalization. Recovery is possible with professional help.
National Institute of Mental Health · Perinatal depressionAsk. Be there. Help keep them safe. Help them connect. Follow up.
These evidence-based steps from the 988 Lifeline give a simple blueprint for helping someone in crisis.
988 Lifeline · Help someone else
