I didn’t want my picture taken because I was going to cry. I didn’t know why I was going to cry, but I knew that if anybody spoke to me or looked at me too closely the tears would fly out of my eyes and the sobs would fly out of my throat and I’d cry for a week. 

Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

You may start noticing subtle changes in the form of a lack of enthusiasm to do anything, a change in energy to do tasks, and sometimes even a shift in their mood. Sometimes, it could also manifest as a change in their sleeping patterns or eating habits. In some cases, the symptoms could include a threat to their life through self-harm and attempts to end their life.

Shruti Bose, Counselling psychologist

The key factors when trying to help a friend with depressive symptoms include gentleness, kindness, and strength.

Priyaanka Shah, Psychologist