Supporting Friends or Loved Ones with Depression: What to Say and Do (According to Experts)

Knowing how to support someone you love who is struggling with depression or anxiety can feel overwhelming. What do you say? What’s helpful—and what isn’t? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, guest Sam Dylan Finch shares five practical, real-life-tested ways people have supported him during his darkest moments. From simple listening to small acts of kindness, these strategies can make a life-saving difference.

If you’ve ever wanted to show up for someone but didn’t know how, this episode offers guidance, compassion, and concrete steps you can take today.

Link to Sam's blog post with all 11 suggestions: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/08/24/11-important-ways-my-loved-ones-supported-me-during-a-mental-health-crisis/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why listening often matters more than advice
• The importance of asking instead of assuming needs
• Simple but powerful daily support strategies
• Why learning about a loved one’s disorder shows respect and care
• The value of teamwork in mental health support

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode purpose
 01:28 - Why reaching in can be as important as reaching out
 02:41 - Guest Sam Dylan Finch shares his lived experience
 03:50 - Support Strategy #1: Listen more than you talk
 05:07 - Support Strategy #2: Ask what’s needed instead of assuming
 07:09 - Support Strategy #3: Offer practical help with daily tasks
 08:32 - Support Strategy #4: Check in on the basics (food, sleep, meds)
 09:33 - Support Strategy #5: Learn about your loved one’s disorder
 10:22 - Support Strategy #6: Send tangible reminders of care
 11:07 - Support Strategy #7: Take a team approach, don’t go it alone
 14:56 - Crisis resources and the importance of backup support
 16:55 - Key takeaways: connection, presence, and compassion

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