How to Support Someone with Depression: Practical Tips That Truly Help

When someone you love is struggling with depression, it can be hard to know how to help. Do you offer advice? Do you step back? Do you just listen? In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we talk with Sam Dylan Finch, who shares five practical, real-life ways that friends and family can step in to offer meaningful support during a mental health crisis.

Sam’s perspective is shaped not by theory, but by lived experience. These are things people actually did for him that made a difference. From listening without judgment, to helping with daily tasks, to building a support team—this episode is filled with ideas you can use right away.

If you’ve ever worried about “saying the wrong thing” or wondered how you can truly show up for someone in the dark, this conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and concrete steps to take.

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

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why listening matters more than offering solutions
• Asking what someone needs instead of assuming
• Offering simple, practical help with daily tasks
• The importance of checking on basic self-care (eating, sleeping, medication)
• Why learning about your loved one’s condition is a sign of respect
• Sending tangible reminders of care and love
• Using a team approach so no one supporter feels overwhelmed

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and context
 01:00 - Why offering support can feel awkward and difficult
 02:40 - The importance of listening over talking
 05:10 - Asking what’s needed instead of assuming
 07:00 - Offering help with daily tasks like meals or chores
 09:10 - Checking on basic needs: food, water, sleep, medication
 09:50 - Learning about your loved one’s mental health condition
 10:20 - The value of tangible reminders, like small gifts or notes
 11:07 - Taking a team approach to support
 13:24 - Why supporters also need support themselves
 14:18 - Building a contact list for crisis situations
 15:27 - Resources: Crisis Text Line and Suicide Prevention Lifeline
 16:30 - Final reflections and encouragement

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