Being depressed or upset about breaking up with your boyfriend or getting in a fight with your best friend is a totally normal response. We all feel sad sometimes, or have short periods of time when we're in a funk, but being clinically depressed is completely different.

This serious medical condition can make a person feel upset for no reason, or it can be triggered by an event, such as losing a loved one. What's different is the person doesn't just "get over it." They continue to feel down, and can even have physical symptoms such as lack of appetite, fatigue, and headaches.

What can you do if a close friend of yours is battling depression? Here are some ideas:

• Learn all you can about depression. Research online, read books, or talk to professionals about it. Knowing the facts will make you feel more comfortable and able to offer them help.
• Encourage your friend to see a psychiatrist and look into medication if necessary. If they are already seeing one, encourage your friend to keep their regular appointments.
• Find out if there is a support group in your area for people with depression. Suggest it to your friend, and offer to go with them.
• Call your sad friend often, visit them, exercise together, and make plans to go out. Keep up a relationship with them so they don't feel alone. Having something to be happy about, and to look forward to always helps.

There are other ways you can help. To find out how read more

• Don't skirt around the issue. It may help your friend tremendously if they feel like they can talk to you about how they are feeling, and to know that you are really listening, and that you care.
• They may find household chores and errands to be too overwhelming, so offer to help with them or anything else.
• If you are worried that your friend might hurt herself or himself, try not to let them be alone. Contact their family or the police and communicate your concerns. You can also call a 24-hour suicide hotline such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to get help or important info.

Consoling and supporting a friend in need is an awesome thing, but it can be overwhelming for you so make sure to take care of yourself as well. Get mutual friends or family members to help out so you're not carrying all the weight on your own. Realize that it's not your "job" to cure them, and that being a friend is the best help you can offer.

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