What is the best way to encourage someone who has depression?

Encourage them to take their day just an hour at a time if need be set small goals and help them to achieve those goals it could be something as small as brushing their teeth that morning, and helping them over come the small tasks which then turn into larger tasks, there is no rule book with depression but understanding that each person is completely different to the next and never judge

Sometimes it’s easier to say what you shouldn’t try to say to someone with depression. There are too many “it’s going to be ok’s” or “look at this in your life it’s not that bad”. These statements only make the person feel worse. It’s not a simple issue and depression is not normal and transient unhappiness. It makes the person feel like they are crumbly, dying inside and losing parts of themselves. Doing something to feel better can be incredibly difficult, and having the desire to do anything at all can be unimaginably hard. Being a kind and supportive friend or family member that listens rather than speaks is often better. You can encourage them by being there, by offering opportunities for happy distractions but without being pushy. Respond according to the feedback that you receive. If it is welcomed, continue. If the person is reacting badly, don’t take it personally, and wait for a different opportunity.

Constantly remind them that they aren't alone. Depression is incredibly isolating. People with depression, such as myself, often feel like nobody else could understand their emotional pain. They feel like they are stuck behind the glass, looking out at everyone else who can experience happiness and hope for the future. The person with depression may long to join them in their positivity, but as much as they try, they can't. The trick is to break the glass wall. Sometimes they can't do it on their own. It feels nearly impossible, and because depression saps the energy out of a person, they'll feel too exhausted, too broken, to break the glass wall themselves. So remind them they aren't alone! You're with them every step of the way, and there are other people who feel like they do who will support and empathize with them. Best of luck!

I like to sit down and try to be open minded, offering them a person who is safe, and welcoming to talk too. The goal is to make them feel like they always have some Lomé one who’s there for them, without overstepping boundaries. I also like to encourage people to seek professional help, because I love to talk and be that rock they need, but sometimes, professional help is needed, and I can’t supply that. (Of course I don’t do that when talking to people here. This is just what I do when I talk to my friends. )

Reassure them you are available to talk to, and follow through when they reach out. Perhaps word it more proactively so they understand you are truly there for them and will take action, than passively listen like "How are you?" "I'm sorry." and move on with their lives. It's difficult as it depends on the individual, but starting small like asking how they are every few days can help. From personal experience people who sit down and talk with me about how I'm feeling is a lot more effective than simply acknowledging I am depressed. Hopefully this answer will help you in some way. Just don't give up on them.