Acknowledge their depression is real. The first step to talking to someone with depression is acknowledging it's real. Depression is a chronic medical condition that is different from everyday sadness. Validate that person is experiencing feelings that are real instead of trying to minimize it. For example, avoid phrases like, "Everyone feels down sometimes." While this is true, depression is different from normal sadness. It's more complicated and chronic. Instead, say something like, "I know depression has to be very difficult. I'm really sorry you're experiencing it."
