4 Ways to Reach Out and Help a Friend Who's Isolating Themselves

When a friend isolates themselves, it might be a sign of depression. Spiraling into a pit of depression and sadness can be a lonesome, difficult, and trying experience for most people, and sometimes they want companionship but are unable to ask for it themselves. The following are a few ways you can support your friend through a depressive episode and help them the best you can.

Invite Them Along

Everyone likes to feel included. One way to try to coax your friend out of isolation: invite them along to your get-togethers and daily activities. Take them out, and remind them of their worth and friendship, if at all possible. Sometimes just leaving the house can work wonders on a person’s attitude and mentality. Even simply inviting your friend out with you while you run errands could give them the human interaction they need to start feeling better.

Get Them Exercising

It is scientifically proven that exercise will increase mental functions. Getting up and moving can help a friend to overcome their isolation. Not only will exercise lead to a healthier mind but also a healthier body, so the benefits of regular exercise aren’t limited to fighting depression.

Communicate

Whether your friend needs a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent their frustrations to, make yourself a safe space for them to talk with you. Often, when people open up about their problems, it tends to relieve them of the heavy burden they carry by keeping their emotions inside. Communication is important for a healthy friendship, as well as reassuring someone struggling with depression that they are not alone. Reach out and connect with your isolated friend. Let them know you care, providing them with someone to talk to about anything troubling them.

Distract Them

Sometimes isolated friends need something to preoccupy their minds and focus their attention on. Try to distract your friend in a healthy way, such as playing a video or board game together, making a craft, creating art or working on some sort of project. The possibilities are endless, but as long as their attention is drawn to something other than sadness and isolation, you are on the right track. Walking alongside someone struggling with depression and reassuring them you care is so important in supporting an isolated friend.