Here for someone

Supporting someone with · Depression

Someone I care about seems depressed

They may have become withdrawn, hopeless, exhausted or unlike themselves. You do not need to be certain it is depression before you offer support.

Start with what is happening nowNotice what has changed, ask how they are, listen, then offer one manageable next step.
Why we say this: NHS, Mind and Rethink
Based on NHS information about depression symptoms, Mind's guidance for friends and family and Rethink Mental Illness. This page does not diagnose the person.
Could they be in immediate danger? If someone's life is at risk, they have seriously injured themselves, or you cannot keep them or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E. I'm worried they may be suicidal.
Source: NHS urgent mental-health guidance
Where to get urgent help for mental health, NHS.

Are they under 18? This area is about supporting an adult. See NHS support for children and young people. If you are under 18 and supporting someone else, see young-carer rights and support.

What do you need help with?

I don't know what to sayStart a conversation without judging, diagnosing or trying to fix everything. They will not accept helpKeep the door open, offer smaller choices and know when the situation has become urgent. Help them get professional supportMake a GP appointment, self-referral or first conversation easier. This has been going on for a long timeStay connected without taking over, and set limits you can sustain.

The short answer

  1. Notice what has changed. Say what you have observed without telling them what is wrong with them.
  2. Ask and listen. Give them time to answer. You do not have to solve the problem.
  3. Offer one manageable next step. A drink, some food, company, a GP call or help with one task may feel more possible than a big plan.
Sources: Mind and Rethink Mental Illness
This summary is based on Mind's guidance for friends and family and Rethink Mental Illness.

Words from Mind

Mind suggests“I'm sorry you're feeling like this, and I'm here for you.”
Source: Mind
Quoted from Mind: helping someone who has depression.

What depression can look like

Depression does not always look like sadness. Someone may lose interest in people or activities, seem exhausted, sleep or eat differently, withdraw, struggle to concentrate, become irritable or speak as though nothing will improve.

These changes can have many causes. This page cannot tell you whether someone has depression.

Could this be depression?
Source basis: NHS and Mind
Paraphrased from NHS symptoms of depression and Mind's guidance for friends and family.

You may need a different route

Source basis: NHS
NHS depression guidance and NHS psychosis guidance. Here for Someone is not deciding which condition the person has.

And you?

Supporting someone can affect your sleep, health, work and relationships. You do not need to wait until you are at breaking point.

Support for youTalk to people who understand

Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a helpline or medical service. This page organises public guidance from the organisations linked beside the relevant information; it has not been clinically reviewed by Here for Someone.

Sources checked: 26 August 2026

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