Knowing what to say to someone who is depressed isn't always easy. While you may feel awkward and unsure at first, know that whatever you say doesn't have to be profound or poetic. It should simply be something that comes from a place of compassion and acceptance. Try not to be dissuaded by worry over saying the "wrong" thing. Too many people with clinical depression feel alone—a state that only worsens their condition. If you don't know what to say, just say that—and tell your friend that you are there for him. When you want to say more, but have a hard time expressing what you feel, try referencing these ten statements someone who is depressed might find helpful to hear. These two simple words—“I care”—can mean so much to a person who may be feeling like the entire world is against her. A hug or a gentle touch of the hand can even get this message across. The important thing is to reach out and let the person know that she matters to you. "I'm Here for You" Depression can feel as if no one understands what you are feeling or even cares enough to begin to understand, which can be isolating and overwhelming. When you reach out to a friend, letting them know that you are going to be there every step of the way can be very reassuring. You may not quite know what this will look like at first, but know that just reminding your friend that you are someone he can lean on can mean the world. "Is There Anything I Can Do to Help?" Depression places a great weight on the person who has it, both physically and mentally, so there are probably many things you can do to ease the burden as your friend recovers. He may be reluctant to accept your offer for fear of becoming a burden on you, so make it clear that you don't mind and want to help in the same way you know he would for you in a similar situation. It is also possible that depression may leave your friend so tired and down that he doesn't even know what kind of help to ask for. Be prepared with a few specific suggestions, which may include: Could you use some help with housework or grocery shopping? Would you like some company for a while? Would you like me to drive you to your doctor appointments? Being specific in regard to both the time and activity can be helpful. For example, instead of saying "Is there anything I can do for you?" perhaps ask, "Could I come over on Saturday morning and do some yard work for you?" Remember, too, that the help you think your friend may need may not match with what would actually be beneficial in his eyes. Suggest—and listen. "Have You Told Your Doctor How You Are Feeling?" Depression treatments are a very important part of recovering from depression, but people often feel ashamed of their condition or pessimistic about whether treatment will really help. If your friend has not yet seen a doctor, encourage him to seek help and reassure him that there is nothing wrong with asking for assistance. Depression is a real—and treatable—illness. If he is already seeing a doctor, offer to help with picking up medications and being on time for appointments. "Do You Need Someone to Talk With?" Sometimes the most important thing you can do for a depressed friend is to just listen sympathetically while she talks about what is bothering her, allowing her to relieve the pressure of pent-up feelings. This can help make her mental and emotional pain more bearable as she goes through the course of treatment prescribed by her doctor and/or therapist. Make sure to listen without interrupting. We all wish to fix things for those we care about and often offer quick fixes to cope with our own feelings of helplessness. Sometimes people who are depressed just need to talk without having the conversation taken over with well-meaning advice. "Your Life Makes a Difference to Me" A common feeling among those who are depressed is that their lives don't matter and no one would even care if they were gone. If you can sincerely tell your friend about all the ways that she matters to you and others, this can help her realize that she has value and worth. "I Understand" (If You Really Do) Before you tell someone "I understand," you should be certain that you actually do. Have you ever experienced clinical depression? If you have, it may be helpful for your friend to realize that you have experienced what he is feeling and were able to get better. Keep in mind that there are several different types of depression, and even if you did experience clinical depression, it may have been very different than what your friend is going through. However, if what you have been through was just a mild case of the blues, your friend may feel like you are trivializing his experience by comparing it with yours. In this case, it would be best to simply admit that you don't understand exactly what he is going through, but you care about him and want to try. Often, the best words to say are, "I don't understand, but I really want to." "It's OK to Feel This Way" Even though your friend's problems may seem minor to you, resist the urge to judge or come up with simple solutions. The biochemical imbalances associated with depression are what is driving how bad she feels about certain situations—not the situations themselves. Instead, let her know that you are sorry that she is feeling so badly and adopt an attitude of acceptance that this is how her depression is affecting her. If your friend only recently started taking medications or attending counseling, it can take time for her to begin to feel better. Just as an antibiotic for a strep throat takes a while to work, antidepressants can take some time to change chemicals in the brain (sometimes upwards of eight weeks or longer). During this time, what she needs most is not references to fast, easy solutions, but an awareness that you will be by her side until her treatment works. "You Aren't Weak or Defective" Those who are coping with depression tend to feel weak or that there is something wrong with them. Depression may be seen as an illness to others, but those who live with it feel that it's a character flaw. Reassure your friend that depression really is an illness caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain, and it does not mean that he is weak. In fact, it takes a great deal of strength to fight back, so he is probably much stronger than the average person. "There Is Hope" While you are reassuring your friend that she has a real illness, you can also reassure her that there is hope, because, like any other medical illness, depression is treatable. Through the use of medications and therapy, she has a very good chance of returning to feeling normal again. When Good Intentions Go Wrong It is possible that you can say all the "right" things and your friend will still become upset with you. Each person is an individual with unique thoughts and feelings, and being angry and upset is the nature of depression. Sometimes people will lash out at those trying to help them because they are hurting and don't know where to direct those bad feelings. Whoever is nearby becomes a convenient target. If this happens, try not to take it personally. Stay calm and continue to do what you can to love and support your friend in whatever way she will allow. Finally, the risk of suicide is high in those suffering with depression. No matter what you say or what you do to help your friend, he may still experience suicidal thoughts and feelings. Make sure to be on the lookout for warning signs of suicide and know when to seek help.