How Can I Support a Depressed Friend?
How Can I Support a Depressed Friend?
Our Ask the Therapist columnist, Lori Gottlieb, advises a reader who wants to help a struggling pal but is growing frustrated.
Read the full article on NY Times Health
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears to be mostly accurate, offering advice on how to support a friend struggling with depression. The advice aligns with recommendations from multiple reputable sources. There is no apparent bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: The article provides advice on how to help a friend struggling with depression.
- Verification Source #1: Mayo Clinic suggests showing support, urging treatment adherence, listening, giving positive reinforcement, offering help, and reducing stress.
- Verification Source #2: Mind.org.uk recommends supporting them in getting help, being open about depression, keeping in touch, avoiding criticism, finding balance, and continuing usual activities.
- Verification Source #3: Talkiatry.com suggests helping them find local support groups.
- Verification Source #4: Healthline.com emphasizes compassion, consistent encouragement, and patience.
- Verification Source #5: Mayo Clinic Health System advises helping with medication and appointments, and listening without judgment.
- Assessment: Supported. The advice aligns with recommendations from multiple sources.
- Claim: The article is written by Lori Gottlieb, an Ask the Therapist columnist.
- Assessment: Unverified. This is a statement about authorship, which is not directly verifiable from the provided sources, but is likely accurate given the context of the NY Times column.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Multiple sources (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) provide similar advice on supporting someone with depression, such as listening, encouraging treatment, and offering practical help.