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How to help someone who’s very depressed

5 replies

bigknitblanket · 17/04/2025 13:54

I have a family member who’s suffering from severe depression (not in my household)…is having medical treatment plus therapy and have been for some time but still keep slipping backwards.
Obviously I’ve offered to be there to talk, invite out for coffee, be generally supportive but what else to offer?
I’ve suffered with it myself in the past so I do have some understanding but as well as taking medication I was very proactive in terms of eating well, getting out for some fresh air everyday, exercising, keeping busy. All of this helped me but she doesn’t seem interested in trying to do any of this (I also get that it’s difficult to drag yourself out of the depths to do such things)
I just feel a bit helpless really.

OP posts:
Jenkibubble · 17/04/2025 14:05

Just be there for her ……
Reassure her that you are happy to listen if / when she is ready .
Ease the load for her eg some basic housekeeping - keep cupboards full with some easy food staples . Maybe you could batch cook and freeze some too .
Suggesg some funny / easy tv shows to watch or something else easy to achieve ( mindful Colouring / easy magazine / book )
Suggest some fresh air - easy walk with her .
Dont give up x
Well done on helping

bigknitblanket · 17/04/2025 14:20

Jenkibubble · 17/04/2025 14:05

Just be there for her ……
Reassure her that you are happy to listen if / when she is ready .
Ease the load for her eg some basic housekeeping - keep cupboards full with some easy food staples . Maybe you could batch cook and freeze some too .
Suggesg some funny / easy tv shows to watch or something else easy to achieve ( mindful Colouring / easy magazine / book )
Suggest some fresh air - easy walk with her .
Dont give up x
Well done on helping

I’ve not really done much to help so far apart from keeping in touch by text and arranging coffee out - she lives with other people who are cooking etc so that side of it isn’t an issue.

OP posts:
Dolamroth · 17/04/2025 15:32

When my friend was suffering with depression and panic attacks I turned up now and then with a few bits of shopping (bread, milk, tea bags, biscuits and some sandwich fillings etc) and made her some tea and a sandwich. Then I would say "oh I'll rinse our cups" and i did her washing up so her kitchen was reasonable in case she wanted to cook something.
Just hung out for a bit.

Didn't ask any deep questions, just light chit chat. She thanked me months later and said just being there was great. Don't know if something like this would be appropriate but my friend appreciated it. Might depend on what sort of relationship you have.

I used to text her some mornings (not every day) to say hello and that I was thinking of her too.

SolielMoonSky · 17/04/2025 16:10

She knows you are there and willing to offer support, that’s the main thing. Just keep checking in every now and then, that’s all you can do really.
Just remember that depression affects people differently. Only she can tell you what she needs in terms of support.

Meadowfinch · 17/04/2025 16:46

Reassurance,
listen to them,
try to make small things easier for them to lighten the load,
try to get them out in the sunshine & fresh air.

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