When someone is experiencing depression, they will feel a lack of hope. They might find it hard to think about the future because the present has blurred with the past and become all-consuming. 

Hopelessness is a big obstacle to overcome alone - “I’ve felt this way for so long, why try anymore?”. Help will feel very far away by this point, almost out of reach - whether that help is in the form of a support line call, talking to you, therapy. 

That’s why reaching out to someone struggling is important, by keeping in touch through the good and bad days, you can be a consistent source of hope.

Reaching out with ideas can sometimes help but, always be prepared for a “no, thank you”. You could spend time with your friend or loved one and explore areas of their life to see what needs TLC: