Feeling Depressed

 

Practical Ways to Help Someone

Based on expert guidance and workplace strategies:

Listen Without Judgment

Be a patient, active listener. Avoid clichés like “Cheer up.” Instead, say:

“I may not fully understand what you’re going through, but I’m here to listen anytime.” [verywellhealth.com]

Encourage Professional Help

Explain that depression is a health condition, not a weakness, and suggest speaking to a mental health professional. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them if they’re comfortable. [mayoclinic.org]

Check In Regularly

Isolation worsens depression. Simple texts or calls like “Thinking of you—want to catch up?” can make a big difference. [verywellhealth.com]

Offer Practical Support

Help with small tasks—meals, errands, or workload adjustments—especially if they seem overwhelmed. [psychcentral.com]

Avoid “Fixing” or Giving Unsolicited Advice

Depression isn’t solved by quick tips. Focus on empathy and support rather than solutions. [fherehab.com]

Know the Warning Signs

Persistent sadness, withdrawal, fatigue, or talk of hopelessness may indicate severe depression. If there’s mention of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help (call 988 in the U.S. or local crisis lines). [thepsychguide.org]

Workplace-Specific Strategies

Create a safe environment for open conversations.

Share EAP details and mental health resources without pressuring.

Offer flexibility in deadlines or workload if possible. [stigmafree.nami.org]

Kerala

1. Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre Helpline: 0495 2760000, 9495714262, 7306509594, TeleMANAS 1-8008914416/ 14416 Daily (10 am-6 pm)

2. Maithri Kochi Helpline: 0484 2540530 Daily (10 am-7 pm)

3. Pratheeksha Helpline: 0484 2448830 Daily (10 am-6 pm)

4. Sanjeevani Helpline: 0471 2533900, 9400033900, Mon-Sat (1 pm-5 pm)

5. Unarve Helpline: 04862225544 Mon-Sat (1 pm-5 pm)

6. DISHA Helpline: 1056/ 104 (24X7) 0471-2552056, 0471-2551056

Here are some verified mental health and suicide prevention helpline numbers in India that you can share or use:

✅ National & Government Helplines

Tele MANAS (Govt. of India)

📞 14416 or 1-800-891-4416

Free, 24/7 mental health support in 20+ languages. [telemanas....hfw.gov.in], [jipmer.edu.in]

KIRAN Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline

📞 1800-599-0019

24/7 toll-free, multilingual counselling and rehabilitation support. [pib.gov.in]

✅ National Suicide Prevention Helpline

📞 1800-121-3667

Confidential support available 24/7 for anyone in distress. [National S...ne | India]

✅ Trusted NGO & Private Helplines

Vandrevala Foundation

📞 +91-9999-666-555

24/7 free and confidential support via phone, text, and WhatsApp. [findahelpline.com]

AASRA (Mumbai-based, pan-India calls)

📞 +91-9820466726

24/7 crisis intervention for emotional distress and suicide prevention. [findahelpline.com]

Fortis Stress Helpline

📞 +91-8376804102

24/7 multilingual support for stress and mental health issues. [India Help...tive India]

iCALL (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)

📞 +91-9152987821 or 022-25521111

Mon–Sat, 8 AM–10 PM; psychosocial support including LGBTQ+ friendly services. [India Help...tive India]

✅ Child Helpline

CHILDLINE

📞 1098

Emergency helpline for children in need of care and protection. [findahelpline.com]

✅ State-wise Helplines

There are state-specific numbers for regions like Delhi (Sumaitri: 011-23389090), Maharashtra (Samaritans Mumbai: +91-8422984528), Kerala (Maithri: 0484-2540530), and many more.

You can access the full list here. [thedailyjagran.com]