Your role as a friend, relative, partner or acquaintance is to just be there for them, to remind them to continue being as strong as they’re capable of being when living with this mental disorder.

Read also: 25 comforting quotes to boost your self esteem 

David Wolfe reminded us to keep these 10 things in mind when a loved one is suffering from depression:

1. Depression is not a choice. It leaves people paralised in their own mind and body.

2. Avoid the cliche phrases. Avoid phrases like ‘you will be fine’, ‘you just need to get out’, ‘you’re thinking too much’. It creates more tension within, making them feel worse. Instead, say things like, ‘I’m here for you’.

4. When they become distant, don’t force them to open up and hang out. They isolate themselves because the guilt of being a burden to their loved ones is weighing them down.

5. It is okay to get frustrated every now and then. Figure out how to support them without self-sacrificing.

Read also: Beat depression with these foods