Depression Resources – Supporter

Test yourself and others

• Relatix Depression Assessment – Myself – share this if the person wants a gentler starting point for reflecting on their own symptoms.
• Relatix Depression Assessment – Supporter – revisit our supporter reflection page if you want to think through your observations again.

Start here

• Treat any test result as a starting point for learning, not as proof or a diagnosis.
• Focus on duration, impact, and change: low mood for weeks or months, withdrawal, difficulty coping, reduced self-care, or loss of interest are all signs worth taking seriously.
• Start with calm observation and respectful conversation rather than trying to convince someone what is wrong with them.

Trusted depression information

• NHS: Depression in adults – overview of symptoms, severity, treatment, and when to seek help.
• NIMH: Depression – research-based information about signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment.
• NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine – caregiver-led support, tools, and guidance for people supporting a loved one with mental illness.

Supporting someone in everyday life

• Listen without rushing to fix: many people with depression already feel like a burden, so patient listening matters.
• Offer practical help: help with appointments, meals, small tasks, transport, or staying alongside them while they take the next step.
• Reduce overwhelm: when someone is exhausted or hopeless, smaller steps and fewer demands are often more helpful than big plans.
• Stay steady: consistent check-ins can matter more than intense one-off conversations.

If you want to be supportive

• Avoid arguments about whether they “should” feel better, grateful, or more motivated.
• Encourage professional help when symptoms are lasting, worsening, or affecting daily life.
• If the person talks about not wanting to be here, wanting to disappear, or you are worried about safety, treat that seriously and seek urgent help.
• Remember that support does not mean becoming their therapist; your role is care, steadiness, and helping connect them with more support when needed.

Urgent help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – in the United States, call or text 988 any time for urgent emotional support or crisis help.
• NIMH: Find Help for Mental Illnesses – guidance on where to get immediate help and treatment support.
• NAMI Support Groups – local and peer-led support options for people living with mental health conditions and their families.

Note: This page is a guide for further exploration, not a diagnosis. The resources above were chosen because they are current, widely used, and centred on practical support, clinical guidance, or both.