At a glance
The best way to communicate with someone who has depression is to be a good listener and to use language that is supportive.
Experiencing depression can result in:
- a lack of energy and not being able to sleep
- feelings of being overwhelmed
- difficulty with concentrating or making decisions
- negative thoughts and feelings of worthlessness
- withdrawal from people and activities.
Do:
- be patient and understanding
- offer encouragement and acknowledge gains, no matter how small
- ask if there is anything you can do to help, instead of asking what’s wrong
- acknowledge that the mental health condition isn’t their fault
- speak clearly and at a pace that they understand
- treat the person with respect and dignity
- continue to make positive suggestions.
Don’t:
- blame the person for the depression they experience
- think that they are not trying hard enough to get better
- assume that because they are having difficulty concentrating, that they are unable think clearly
- act like you think that trying anything is pointless.
Resources
What to say and why
This web page provides some useful tips to use in a conversation which can help someone to feel listened to, understood, and hopeful that things can improve.
Type: Web page
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Produced by: Beyond Blue
Having the conversation with young people about anxiety and depression
This fact sheet provides some tips on having a conversation with a young person about anxiety and depression.
Type: Fact sheet
Reading time: 4 pages
Produced by: Beyond Blue
Depression: first aid guidelines
These guidelines provide an overview of signs of depression to look out for, how to approach a conversation and be supportive and some tips about what doesn’t help.
Type: Guideline
Reading time: 3 pages
Produced by: Mental Health First Aid Australia
Things Not to Say To Someone With Depression
In this video people share their responses to the things people say to them.
Type: Video
Viewing time: 5.50 minutes
Closed captions: Yes
Produced by: BBC Three
Warning – some strong language
