- 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.
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?
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