Being a friend means being there during good and bad times for that individual. When friends become depressed, it is important to not neglect your responsibilities of being a friend. Just what are these responsibilities? You are not solely responsible for getting your friend through this, but you are responsible for being a present, active listener when your friend needs it.

Timing is everything.
If you try to helped a clinically depressed or grieving person by cheering them up before they are ready, this can really cause more problems than helping. It can actually create more feeling of sadness and tension in your relationship with that person.

What not to do can be as important as what to do.
Don’t play amateur psychologist by psychoanalyzing your friend. Leave the analysis to a licensed and trained professional. It is your job to listen but not to analyze or call judgement.

Take stock of your own emotions.
Being patient and listening to a friend in crisis can wear on your own feelings. Be mindful of how you are feeling about your interactions and if you are experiencing negative emotions from the interactions, it is good to step back and give each of you a little space.

It’s not your job to fix things.
Resist the urge to give suggestions as to how to fix the situation or ideas of what your friend should change or do. That is not your job. Your job is to listen with compassion and non-judgement.

What can you do to help?
Listen, listen, listen. Maybe your friend is not ready to talk. Just let your friend know that you are there for him when he is ready. If you do not hear from a friend in a couple of days who is depressed, send them a message that you are thinking about them and are available to talk whenever they are.

Solicit help of other friends for your support.
Remember, supporting a depressed friend can be, well, depressing. Be sure that you have a safe network to discuss your feelings in a non-judgemental forum.

Suggest professional help when necessary.
Let your friend know that you are there for them, but this does not preclude them going to a licensed therapist for more help. Getting through depression can take a village. Let your friend know that you are part of his village, but that it might be time to seek professional help. You can even gather some names and numbers of counselors in your area to start your friend on his route to healing.

Remember, this will not last forever and being present for your friend, although it can be a challenge, will ultimately make your friendship stronger in the long run.