If not treated properly, depression, an incapacitating and isolating condition, may jeopardise relationships. 

A person living with a depressed person can feel abandoned and deprived, leading to an indifferent attitude. Because of the depressed person's attitude and reaction, he or she may feel like walking on eggshells at times. It's important to remember, however, that the relationship can be saved with a little tenderness and effort. Here are some suggestions for how to help someone who is stressed.

• Try to be present with them:

For suicidal people and their loved ones, depression can be excruciating. Holding hands, offering reassurance that everything will be fine through the eyes, or giving a gentle back rub are all ways to offer comfort. "You are not alone in this," "We will find a way together," or "You are so precious to me" are all soothing phrases.

• Experiment with good gestures.

Some people have a hard time expressing themselves emotionally. They can also show their support by doing things like preparing a lunch for the depressed person, leaving a care or love note in the lunch box, sending them a text at regular intervals, doing the laundry for or with them, joining them for a walk, and so on.

• Avoid passing judgement or making criticisms.

It's tempting to tell a depressed person that he or she is overreacting or lacks perspective, but these phrases may be damaging to a person's self-esteem. As a result, these must be avoided. Depression is a serious mental illness that cannot be overcome by changing one's attitude or developing strong willpower. It is important that a friend or loved one validates the depressed person's thoughts and emotions so that he or she can consider going forward.

• Do Extra care of them.

Depressed people also struggle to pay attention to their self-care. They could not get out of bed for the whole day, miss meals, go days without showering, and so on. This is a good time for a friend or loved one to chip in and assist them in making their bed, eating a hot and nutritious meal, showering, exercising, and meditating.

• Instead of punishing them, you can reward them.

Saying things like, "If you don't take care of yourself, eat dinner, and sleep on time, I'll end this relationship," to a depressed person is a cruel way of telling them they are terrible. Instead, expressions that are both rewarding and encouraging should be used, such as "Oh, no! Should we go for a run since you're up early?" "Wow, you cooked dinner; should I help with the dishes?" or “Wow, you cooked dinner; should I help with the dishes?”

• Encourage them to question their negative thinking patterns.

People who are depressed have a lot of negative thought habits. It is important for a friend or loved one to assist them in empirically questioning these thoughts. If they say things like "I'm useless" or "I'm bad," for example, one should politely inquire as to what makes them think that way, and this conversation should aid in breaking the negative patterns.

Depression can be cured.

Depression is treatable, and one can never doubt the effectiveness of therapy. Even though self-help and support groups can help with symptom relief, treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy and medication are much more effective. As a result, one must assist the suicidal in seeking care.