How do I help someone who is depressed?

Listen without trying to fix, take them seriously, avoid "just cheer up" advice, help with practical tasks, encourage professional help and offer to accompany them, stay in contact consistently, and ask directly about suicidal thoughts — asking does not plant the idea.

Concrete help often lands better than advice — a shared meal, a walk, help with a task, or driving him to an appointment.

Stay consistent even without response. Withdrawal is a symptom, not rejection, and repeated low-pressure contact matters more than one big conversation.