Support for you when someone is depressed

This page is about youSupporting someone with depression can leave you frightened, frustrated, guilty or exhausted. You do not need to wait until you are at breaking point before seeking help.

If your own life is at risk: call 999 or go to A&E. For someone to talk to at any time, call Samaritans on 116 123. In the UK, you can also text SHOUT to 85258.

Sources: NHS, Samaritans and Shout

NHS urgent-help guidance, Samaritans and Shout.

What would help most right now?

I need to talk to somebodyConfidential listening, your own GP or someone you trust. I need help setting limitsDecide what you can offer, what you cannot offer and what needs professional help. I want people who understandFind moderated UK groups and forums for friends, family and partners. I need practical or legal helpYou may be eligible for support even if you do not call yourself a carer.

Talk to somebody

Speak to someone you trust, your own GP or a confidential listening service. You do not have to disclose the other person's private medical details to explain how the situation is affecting you.

Samaritans: 116 123. Free to call, day or night, across the UK and Ireland.
Shout: text SHOUT to 85258. Free, confidential, 24-hour text support in the UK. Responses may take longer when the service is busy.

Service information: Samaritans and Shout

Samaritans contact information and Shout. These are listening services, not emergency services.

Setting boundaries

Rethink advises reviewing what support you are willing and able to provide, whether the other person needs and wants that support, and whether anybody else can help. It also advises maintaining time for your own wellbeing.

Source: Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink guidance on boundaries and supporter wellbeing.

Share the support where you can

One person should not have to hold everything. With the person's agreement where possible, consider who else could help with contact, appointments, food, transport or emergencies.

If you believe there is a serious risk, safety may need to take priority over a request for secrecy.

Sources: Samaritans and PAPYRUS

Samaritans on creating a wider support network and PAPYRUS on not promising secrecy.

Ask your own GP for help

Speak to your GP if the situation is affecting your sleep, mood, anxiety, physical health or ability to function. The appointment is about your health. You do not have to prove that the other person has a diagnosis.

Source basis: Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink guidance for people supporting someone else.

A Carer's Assessment

If you regularly provide unpaid practical or emotional support, you may be able to request a free Carer's Assessment or its local equivalent. You can ask even if you do not use the word “carer” about yourself.

Eligibility, names and processes differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Find out about a Carer's Assessment

Sources: Carers UK and the Care Act 2014

Carers UK and, for England and Wales, section 10 of the Care Act 2014.

Your feelings do not make you a bad person

It is possible to feel compassion and anger, loyalty and resentment, hope and exhaustion at the same time. You are allowed to rest, maintain other relationships and decide what is safe and sustainable for you.

Source basis: Mind and Rethink Mental Illness

This wording reflects guidance from Mind and Rethink about supporter wellbeing and boundaries.

Talk to people who understand Rights and practical help Supporting them over time

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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