Signs of Depression
Feeling down, tearful or hopeless most of the day.
Empty Mood
Let them talk openly about their feelings without offering quick fixes, opinions, or criticism
Listen without Judgement
Forcing toxic positivity or telling them to "look on the bright side"
Trying to cheer them up
If they see a therapist or take medication, help them remember appointments or set gentle reminders.
Support their treatment plan
Experiencing insomnia or sleeping much more than usual.
Sleep Disturbances
Feeling physically exhausted or deeply tired.
Low Energy
Instead of saying "let me know if you need anything," offer concrete tasks like dropping off a meal, doing laundry, or running an errand.
It offers specific and practical help.
A person cannot simply willpower their way out of a chemical imbalance, and suggesting they can only adds feelings of guilt and failure.
Telling them to "snap out of it"
Share information about campus counseling, employee assistance programs, or mental health organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Help connect them with resources
Giving up hobbies, sports, or social activities you used to enjoy.
Loss of Interest
Blaming oneself excessively for past mistakes or feeling like a burden.
Feeling of Guilt or Worthlessness
Help them maintain a basic daily structure for eating, sleeping, and light movement.
Encourage gentle routines
Clinical depression rarely disappears on its own without proper support or treatment. Ignoring the signs can allow the condition to worsen over time.
Assuming it will take care of itself
Educate yourself on depression so you understand that it is an illness, not a choice or a sign of weakness.
Learn more about what they are going through
Having difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making simple decisions.
Difficulty Concentrating
Eating significantly more or less, leading to noticeable weight gain or loss.
Weight Change
Gently remind them of their positive qualities and value when they are being overly self-critical.
Offer positive reinforcement
If your partner indicates that they want to harm themselves, and you promise to keep their thoughts of self-harm or suicide a secret...
Being sworn to secrecy
Send a simple text or call to let them know you are thinking of them, even if they do not always reply right away.
Check in regularly
Feeling easily frustrated, short-tempered, or agitated over minor things.
Irritability
Recurrent thoughts about self-harm.
Thoughts of Suicide
Ask them to go for a short walk, sit outside, or watch a movie without forcing them to socialize heavily.
Invite them to low-pressure activities
People with depression often isolate themselves, so withdrawing your support can reinforce their belief that no one cares about them. However, if they act in a threatening or violent manner, you must prioritize leaving the situation immediately and call 911.
Leaving them alone (with one major exception)
If you suspect they are in danger of self-harm or suicide, stay with them and immediately connect them or yourself to crisis support.
Know when to involve a professional
Suffering from headaches, back pain, or digestive issues that do not improve with treatment
Unexplained physical pain