---
title: "How to Help Someone with Depression"
url: https://drvohras.com/guides/how-to-help-someone-with-depression
language: en-IN
author: "Dr Vohra's"
updated: 2026-10-21
license: "Page text: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)."
---

# How to Help Someone with Depression

This is the markdown version of https://drvohras.com/guides/how-to-help-someone-with-depression, a page of Dr Vohra's, a psychiatry and psychology clinic in New Delhi. It is information, not medical advice; the clinic's contact details are at the end.

The most useful things are simple: stay in contact, listen without fixing, help with the practical step of seeing a doctor, and take any talk of self-harm seriously. Depression is an illness that makes a person believe nothing will help, so the person helping has to carry the hope for a while. Avoid "snap out of it", comparisons with people who have it worse, and arguments about whether it is real.

Dr Vohra's · Updated 21 October 2026

## What helps

- Ask how they are, and then listen; you do not need the right words
- Keep inviting them, even when they say no
- Offer to book the appointment and go with them; the first step is the hardest
- Help with small practical things: a meal, a lift, the children for an afternoon
- Notice improvements and say so
- Look after yourself; supporting someone with depression is tiring

## What does not help

- "Think positive", "others have it worse", "you have everything"
- Treating it as laziness or weakness
- Pushing religion or willpower as the cure
- Taking withdrawal personally
- Secrecy that stops them getting treatment

## If they talk about self-harm or suicide

Ask directly: "Are you thinking about ending your life?" Asking does not plant the idea; it opens the door. If the answer is yes, do not leave them alone, remove immediate means, and call Tele-MANAS 14416 or 112, or take them to an emergency department. Then arrange psychiatric follow-up. A plan, a date or a previous attempt means act now.

## Encouraging treatment

Frame it as a medical check: "let's see a doctor about the sleep and the tiredness" often works where "you need a psychiatrist" does not. Offer the online option if travel or stigma is the barrier. Dr Vohra's sees patients in person in New Delhi and online across India; a family member can make the first call.

## Frequently asked questions

- **Can I book an appointment for someone else?**: You can make the enquiry and accompany them; the person needs to agree to the consultation. For an adult who refuses all help and is at risk, call Tele-MANAS 14416 for guidance.
- **How long will their recovery take?**: Most people improve within six to eight weeks of starting treatment and are well within three to six months. Patience in that window matters.
- **How do I book at Dr Vohra's?**: Call or WhatsApp +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or use the contact form. In person at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, or online across India.
- **What if this is an emergency?**: Call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 (24x7, free) or 112. Dr Vohra's is not an emergency service.

## Book a consultation

Call [+91 99992 49223](tel:+919999249223), email [help@drvohras.com](mailto:help@drvohras.com), or visit us at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008. Online consultations are available across India in English and Hindi.

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## Sources

- [WHO fact sheet: Depressive disorder (depression)](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression)

If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, call Tele-MANAS [14416](tel:14416), KIRAN [1800-599-0019](tel:18005990019) or Emergency services [112](tel:112). Tele-MANAS and KIRAN are 24x7 and free anywhere in India. Dr Vohra's is not a crisis or emergency service.