This article was co-authored by Jessica George, MA, CHt and by How.com.vn staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Jessica George is a Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Professional Master Life Coach, and Co-Founder of Evolve Therapy Coaching based in Glendale, California. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in hybrid therapy and coaching services, couples counseling, and clinical hypnotherapy. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree from The University of California, Santa Barbara and an MA in Counseling Psychology and Talk Therapy from Ryokan College. Jessica is trained in the Imago technique and the Gottman method for couples therapy. She also earned a Professional Life-Coach Certification from The Fowler Academy and an Infinite Possibilities Relationship Certification. She is a member of the International Board of Coaches and Practitioners (IBCP).
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you have a friend that's dealing with depression, you likely really want to help them out. Texting someone is one way to show your support, and it's proven to make a difference. One study found that receiving frequent supportive texts elevated the moods of depressed people and provided meaningful support.[1] If you're looking for texts you can send to a depressed friend, this article has a list of things you can say to let them know that you're there for them.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat makes a caring friend?Jessica George, MA, CHtJessica George is a Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Professional Master Life Coach, and Co-Founder of Evolve Therapy Coaching based in Glendale, California. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in hybrid therapy and coaching services, couples counseling, and clinical hypnotherapy. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree from The University of California, Santa Barbara and an MA in Counseling Psychology and Talk Therapy from Ryokan College. Jessica is trained in the Imago technique and the Gottman method for couples therapy. She also earned a Professional Life-Coach Certification from The Fowler Academy and an Infinite Possibilities Relationship Certification. She is a member of the International Board of Coaches and Practitioners (IBCP).
Certified Professional Master Life CoachCaring friends provide a safe space for their friends to be helped and heard. They're able gauge if their friends need advice, or if they just need a shoulder to cry on.
Tips
Warnings
- If your friend is in crisis or is expressing thoughts of suicide, call a crisis line to get them the help that they need. To reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988 if you're in the United States or Canada. Tell a friend or family member that you trust about the situation, too.[22]Thanks
- No matter how much you want to help your friend, it's important for you to set boundaries. Practice self-care and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't always know what to say or need some space sometimes.[23]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-017-1448-2
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/depression/things-you-should-and-not-say-to-a-depressed-person
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/culture-shrink/201507/6-things-you-can-say-support-someone-whos-depressed
- ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/6-ways-to-help-a-friend-with-depression
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20045943
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-someone-with-depression.htm
- ↑ https://www.mic.com/life/what-to-say-to-your-depressed-friend-according-to-therapists
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-someone-with-depression.htm
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-dos-and-donts-for-supporting-someone-who-has-depression/
- ↑ https://www.mic.com/life/what-to-say-to-your-depressed-friend-according-to-therapists
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/culture-shrink/201507/6-things-you-can-say-support-someone-whos-depressed
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-dos-and-donts-for-supporting-someone-who-has-depression/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-someone-with-depression.htm
- ↑ Jessica George, MA, CHt. Certified Professional Master Life Coach. Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.mic.com/life/what-to-say-to-your-depressed-friend-according-to-therapists
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/depression/things-you-should-and-not-say-to-a-depressed-person
- ↑ https://mhanational.org/im-looking-mental-health-help-someone-else
- ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/6-ways-to-help-a-friend-with-depression
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