Helping a Depressed Person

What do you do when someone you care about is depressed? This can be a very hard question to answer, especially when you are in a situation where you want to help but feel inadequate to do so. This page will provide you with suggestions of how to help when someone you know is depressed.

Tips for Helping a Depressed Person

• Be supportive
• listen to the whole story before drawing any conclusions
• Encourage the person to seek medical care and counselling.
• Be a good listener- you don't have to have all the answer
• Don't criticize as it could lead to further feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Don't take over for them
• Keep your cool and an even temper
• Be patient
• Remember, their depression is NOT your fault

Helpful phone numbers:
Counselling -- 828-5023 -- OM 1651 -- Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Wellness Centre 828-5010 TRU Residence & Conference Centre

Peer Support 371-5996 OM1421

Mental Health in Kamloops - 377-0088 After hours phone number

24 hour phone number in Vancouver toll free - 1-866-661-3311

Information contributed by the TRU Counselling Department.