- Contents
- Introduction
- Q. What is depression?
- Q. How does depression affect college students?
- Q. Are there different types of depression?
- Q. What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
- Q. What causes depression?
- Q. How can I find out if I have depression?
- Q. How is depression treated?
- Q. What are antidepressants?
- Q. If a doctor prescribes an antidepressant, how long will I have to take it?
- Q. What is psychotherapy?
- Q. If I think I may have depression, where can I get help?
- Q. How can I help myself if I am depressed?
- Q. How can I help a friend who is depressed?
- Q. What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
- Q. How can research help college students who have depression?
- Citations
- For more information on depression
Q. How can I help a friend who is depressed?
A. If you suspect a friend may have depression, you can help him or her get diagnosed and treated. You may need to help your friend find a doctor, mental health care provider, or mental health services on your college campus. If your friend seems unable or unwilling to seek help, offer to go with him or her, and tell your friend that his or her health and safety are important to you.
You can also:
- Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement
- Talk to your friend and listen carefully
- Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend's therapist or doctor
- Invite your friend out for walks, outings, and other activities. If they refuse keep trying, but don't push
- Ensure that your friend gets to doctor's appointments and encourage him or her to report any concerns about medications to their health care professional
- Remind your friend that with time and professional treatment, the depression will lift
Previous: Q. How can I help myself if I am depressed? Next: Q. What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
Options
Related Information
- See all NIMH publications about:
- Browse Mental Health Topics
- About NIMH Publications
