interferes with one's ability to work, play, or love

pops up out of the blue

easily disappear

lingers for at least weeks

a low mood

loss of interest in things you'd nomally enjoy

changes in appetite

feeling worthless or excessively guilty

sleeping either too much or too little

poor concentration

restlessness or slowness

loss of energy

recurrent thoughts of suicide

Physical manifestations inside the brain

boost brain chemicals

electroconvulsive therapy (in extreme cases)

transcranial magnetic stimulation

encourage them

looking up therapists in the area

making a list of questions to ask a doctor

they shouldn't expect themselves
to just get over it

a medical condition

not a weakness or
a personality trait

avoid comparing depression to
times you've felt down

talk about depression openly