Family members play a key role in encouragement when another family member is depressed. They can help a person get appropriate diagnosis and treatment. They can also encourage the person to continue treatment, whether it be medication and/or counseling. This is especially important since hopelessness and discouragement accompany depression, and there is a strong temptation to drop out of treatment or quit taking medication before it has time to be effective.

Family needs to be aware that irritability and tiredness are part of the illness and should not be taken personally. Encourage them to get out a bit more, take walks, socialize and get some exercise. But do not expect them to "just snap out of it." However with treatment most people who are depressed recover from it.

If your loved one is suicidal, then obviously urgent and emergency measures need to be taken, including removing items that would make it easier to harm themselves. Be understanding about the emotional pain they are going through. Most people who are suicidal want the pain to go away more than they want to die. Help them understand that suicide is usually "a permanent solution to a temporary problem." Most important, seek professional advice and intervention, and take advantage of Emergency Hot-lines.