What can friends and family do?
It can be difficult to be with and to help someone who is seriously depressed. Some people who are depressed keep to themselves, while others may not want to be alone. They may react strongly to the things you say or do. It is important that you let them know that it is okay to talk about their feelings and thoughts. Listen and offer support rather than trying to contradict them or talk them out of it. Let them know you care. Ask them how you can help, and offer to contact their family doctor or a mental health professional. Find out about local self-help groups and attend a meeting with them. Try to be patient and non-judgemental. Most of all, don't do it alone - get other people to provide help and support too.

What are the signs of depressive illness?

Depression becomes an illness, or clinical depression, when the feelings described above are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with one's work and social life. Depressive illness can change the way a person thinks and behaves, and how his/her body functions. Some of the signs to look for are:

feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless,
sleeping more or less than usual,
eating more or less than usual,
having difficulty concentrating or making decisions,
loss of interest in taking part in activities,
decreased sex drive,
avoiding other people,
overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief,
feeling unreasonably guilty,
loss of energy, feeling very tired,
thoughts of death or suicide.