I only have to congratulate you for having "close friends" who "jump in". That is a great part of my keeping my mood stable lately (I have also a couple of friends who are not afraid to "jump in" and help me out).
Hope you keep them and keep safe!
Hope you keep them and keep safe!
I assume it means continuing to be social, helping out, and encouraging the person in question to "get out of their bubble", so to speak.
I haven't had personal experience with the harsher side of depression, so I'm not sure what is effective (on my part).
Interestingly, it's often exactly the opposite that's needed: just be there and listen.
Once that bond has been made, then one can start to work on improving things.
All of this requires time and a lot of energy.
Depression is a real bitch. It manifests itself differently in everyone. Perhaps coaxing someone to see a therapist, go out or whatever would actually help them. But that's not going to be true for everyone and the coaxing may do more damage than good if it's unprompted. If they express interest in anything (e:g; going to a movie, seeing a therapist, going to the gym), that can be a good time to give them a small nudge. I hope your friends find some light in their tunnels.
Verbally expressing your love and support for your friend, and helping them see the positive aspects of their self, their situation, and the world around them can go a long way. If you can get them to talk about their views, and help them see when they're stuck in unproductive negative self-talk, that can be truly eye opening. Help them love themselves. Encourage them to come on a walk or run or other exercise with you; don't force them or over pressure them, but say that you promise they'll feel better.
Sitting alone behind a computer screen every night and weekend is asking for problems.
My understanding is that real clinical depression is not the kind of "feeling down" we all experience at some point or another. That's not something you fix by just having a drink, talk a bit, or go to a party.
It is more like the absence of feelings. Depressive people are more likely to take the least resistance path to everything you try to do. Want them to go out, they will follow you. Want them to talk, they will answer your questions. Leave them alone, they will stay where they are. In fact I know someone with severe depression who didn't even have physical feelings (like hunger, pain, cold, sleepiness, etc...).