HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Supporting someone with depression
Te tautoko i tētahi me te mate pāpōuri
Important
At times, suicide might seem like a solution to depression. If you or a friend is considering acting on suicidal thoughts and needs help, phone the Depression Helpline on 0800‑111‑757 or txt 4202 (available 24/7), or phone Lifeline 0800‑543‑354 (available 24/7). Or you can contact your local Mental Health Crisis Team (TACT) on 0800‑277‑997.
Your support can make a big difference to someone close to you. Often, someone will start treatment because their whānau (family) or friends have encouraged them.
It's normal for people with depression to withdraw from others. They may reject your efforts to care for them or let you down in other ways. It can be hard to know what to do or say but there are some resources to help you.
Looking after someone who is suffering from depression can be very stressful and difficult. It's also important to look after yourself and your own physical and mental health.
If you're involved in caring for someone who has depression, you might find some support at Family Mental Health Support. They offer free support for families and support people of people with mental illness.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Depression New Zealand – Supporting someone
Suggestions for helping someone who has depression.
- Yellow Brick Road – Lifting the dark cloud
A guide to understanding and healing depression.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIDEP-48681
