Supporting someone with anxiety or depression starts with listening. Let them talk, take what they say seriously, and avoid quick fixes or telling them to just cheer up, which can feel dismissive. Simply being present and showing you care can make a real difference, as isolation often worsens mental health.
Gently encourage them to seek professional help, such as seeing a doctor or therapist, and offer practical support like helping find services or going with them to an appointment if they want. Help with everyday tasks can ease the burden when someone is struggling. Keep inviting them to things and staying in touch even if they often decline, so they know they are not forgotten.
Look after yourself too, as supporting someone can be demanding. Set gentle boundaries and seek your own support if needed. Importantly, if they talk about suicide, self-harm, or not wanting to be here, take it seriously and act: encourage immediate help, do not leave them alone if they are at risk, and call your local emergency number or a crisis line if there is immediate danger.