Depression Supporters Support Group

There are some things you can do to give support and show that you care, but I have just realized that you cannot help anyone that doesn't help themselves.

You can give support by listening with empathy without passing judgment, getting them help with professionals if you're in a position to do so, but other than that, there's not much you can do for them unless they want to be helped.

I think the BEST thing you can do is to take care of yourself. That way, you can lead others through example.

Hey Carmen, drag about your buddy. My wife suffers from depression and I have had a very close friend battle it as well.

when my buddy was hit with it after I spoke around it with him, I just came out and told him what I saw and what I thought. Some times, especially with guys hearing it from someone else gives us permission to accept whats going on. Be his friend. That's all you can do. Watch for danger signals. Everything he may say take seriously, provide that ear or whichever. Just letting them know your there is the key. The thing with depression and someone depressed is there is no logic, they feel like absolute crap, so part of that is them not acting like they're dealing with it. I think of it like no one wants to have heart disease, diabetes or cancer, but they got it. Are there things to make it better? For sure, and being that support to help them see that is what it's all about.
I'll tell you, more people give up on friends or loved ones with mental illness, because it's so misunderstood and such a horrible thing to endure. Be that person, stand by him.

Thanks for your advice ykk and yossarian. My friend seems to be better this week. I expressed my concern for him and let him know that I am here to support him so that he can get better. He appologized for being so non-communicative and gloomy and is wanting to change. I'm very thankful that he realizes he must want to help himself to get better. I am hopeful he will be excited about life again..very soon.