How do you tell a friend that they are showing signs of depression?

I think you would just need to sit down with them (perhaps over a cuppa) and have a good chat to see what's going on in their life. Then a casual mention of "how are you really?" might be worth a try. As long as you're trying to help them and they're your friend they shouldn't have an issue.

by Matteo Lor

Thank you Matt, the first step is always difficult.

Withdrawal from social life, not picking calls from friends and family,sudden loss/gain of weight, self doubt statements, showing no interest in any recreation, wanting to spend time alone and screaming and yelling sometimes at loved ones, insomnia or sleeplessness are few I know of.

The best way I have learnt to bring your loved ones out of depression is love, care, patience, affection , tolerance and making them learn some art/class/skill where they begin to discover themselves and start loving themselves and feel living life worthwhile.

by Sasha

A few of these are presenting I think its time to address accordingly.
Thank you,

Advise them to seek professional help. They may deny that they need it, or tell you that "it's okay" or they'll be "fine". If they react this way, stop pestering them about it for a while. Over time, the idea might grow on them.

Depression is not something that goes away by itself after a while. This is probably the most difficult step. Be sensible. If you friend is sounding like they are harming themselves or are thinking of suicide, you need to alert somebody.
Listen out for suicidal like comments when they are talking to you. Such as " I wish I were dead." or "I don't want to live anymore. I feel useless." I'm not good enough. These should be taken seriously.

by jonaja

Definitely in denial at the moment , will take some patience to get them to firstly recognise the problem.

I have had a great deal of work with depression...and it will not just 'go away'. Keep being a true friend, and hoping they will want the help- sooner than later.
The quicker one get's help, they can look forward to getting better sooner.
I

I think that as a friend, you should always mention it. This is what your role as a friend must be. I am a big fan of the work done by Beyond Blue and if you want to cross check your friends symptoms - here's what depression symptoms you might be observing: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/signs-and-symptoms.
There's also a fact sheet on what to do if your friend has depression and how to care for them: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/family-and-friends/caring-for-someone-with-depression-or-anxiety
Regrettably, the first step is always the hardest, and getting your friend to realise what they might be going to can be very difficult. However, depression, like many illnesses should not go untreated, and whilst the first step is difficult, it is a step in the direction of recovery.
Sitting down with your friend, away from the hussle and bussle of life, and asking them how they are, can be a great way to find out how they are doing. If they don't open up, try again at a different time but assert to them that you are 'here' for them. Monitor the situation, and if you see signs that alarm you perhaps signalling self harm, or the lowest self worth (suicidal), then it's time to call the professionals, and some of these numbers may help: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites

Good luck to you and your friend. From personal experience of helping someone with depression it's a difficult time, but just being a friend will make all the difference.

by helenonthesofa

Thank you for the relevant links.
And I will look out for any indication of self harm.
Monitor the situation as you suggested.Simply support them by being a friend.

I think honesty is the best approach. It is very important that you don't take the 'expert' stance about your friend's experiences. What you can do in a very loving, and respectful way say I have noticed the following, and I know that these signs can indicate depression, I am concerned for you is everything ok?
It is important that you respect your friends' right to choose not to discuss it with you. Let them know that you are there for them should they decide they want to talk about it later once they have had a chance to consider the points of concern that you have raised. You might even give them some pamphlets from Beyond Blue or another respected organisation so they can take the time to look at the information privately. I always think of it this way, if you didn't say anything and something terrible happened would you be comfortable with your inaction or would you full of guilt and recrimination because you were uncomfortable raising the issue? Don't diagnose, don't tell them what to do, just lovingly let them know of your concern and ask how you can best support them.

by Shelley Murphy

I will approach them with genuine concern without being judgmental , as it is a sensitive issue and easy to upset someone who is already in a fragile state.
Thank you.