If you or someone you know is depressed, trying to help can be confusing. It might seem best to give them space but it is important that they hear that you care and you are there to listen. Talking to you about it might help your friend get closer to getting help from a professional. The following are ways that you can help yourself or a friend that is depressed.

• Reach out and talk to friends, parents or teachers.
• If you are stressed out by exams, talk to your teacher or school counselor.
• If you are worried about being pregnant, see your general practitioner or family-planning clinic.
• Keep yourself occupied. Spend time with friends, especially those who are active, upbeat and make you feel good about yourself.
• Avoid hanging out with those who use drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings.
• Remember that you are not alone. Depression is a common problem and usually a passing state. Even though it feels like it will never lift, depression almost always does come and go on its own—and with proper intervention it can be controlled, greatly reduced or overcome.
• Thinking about going to a therapist but want to know more about what it's like? Read this.
• You might need medication to temporarily help you while you sort out your feelings. Be sure your parents look into this before deciding, as some antidepressants used for adults can actually make teens feel worse.
• Above all, do not do anything that can cause permanent damage to yourself or could result in your death. Remember that "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."

If you feel that your friend is in danger, it is important you tell an adult who can help. Even if your friend has told you not to tell anyone, as a friend you should do what is going to help them.

If you or someone you know needs help now, please go to our hotline page for numbers to call for help.

Source: Helpguide.org