Don't know how to help?

If you don't know what else to do when a person is depressed or not themselves. Your presence means a lot, even if they don't show it at the time:

I like you just the way you are

I have a couple of friends experiencing depression and anxiety at the moment. I feel this time round I am able to help them better than before (or be more confident in doing so). "All" I needed to do for them is tell them what I like about them right now and how I wouldn't change them. It also helps to tell them why you want them in your life.

It seems so easy and it is once you take a moment and think of things about them that make you smile. It could be a characteristic or a memory - that they are clever, or cheeky, or that time they made you laugh so hard you nearly wet your pants (yes it's true and that was before kids!!). 

I have been making a conscious effort to let people know these things - a letter, text or a little gift. The thought doesn't just count, it generally means more than you realise.