Linked – Here’s how you can connect to friends who are depressed
How about that, I just wrote about how worrying about being the “perfect” friend with the “perfect words” was getting in the way of actually being supportive yesterday, and then I stumble upon this great post from TED. It’s full of helpful advice, like this under the list of “Dos”
“Do absolve yourself of responsibility for the depressed person. You might be afraid that if you talk to them, you’re responsible for their well-being, that you need to “fix” them and solve their problems. You’re not expected to be Dr. Phil — just be friendly, more like Ellen. You may worry that you won’t know what to say, but words are not the most important thing — your presence is.”
Go read the whole thing. There is much more.
