How can I help people with depression?

Realize treatment is key, Get active in their care, Talk about it, Stay in contact, Focus on small goals, Encourage doctor visits, Pay attention,

Support and let them know you are there for them. Be a good listener, and refrain from opinions and judgements.

7 Cups is a good example, but hardly the best you can do. Best would be get a psychologist's education and land a lucrative job.

Listen to them first. Find out if they are seeing anyone for this. Make sure they are not suicidal. Find out whats on their mind

i will gain their trust . check in and be friendly every time i get to talk to them.. love is something a random act of kindness at a very random time .. so my view is that even if i play the smallest part in a person's life... it should be the vital part

The first thing I would suggest is definitely give them support no matter what the situation is. If they want to talk when things get rough then support them. If they want to talk at 2am in the morning because they feel like things are getting too much then support them. Usually when someone is depressed they want to find someone, or something, to help them with the deepness they feel. Also, make them involved with an activity to make them feel important. Always make sure they are taken care of with whatever they need. That will definitely help.

Don't ask questions that have obvious answers such as "Are you feeling ok"? If someone is clearly not feeling fine, this is the last thing they want to hear. Be there for them during the hard times. It is ok to despair once in a while, just be there when you come. We are only human, we can only do what we can do. Be sure not to emotionally drain yourself. Give yourself time out when needed. This is ok. Knowing you are LOVED just those words are infinitely special when you are depressed even though quite often they will not appreciate it at the time but it is true they will look back on it and know you WERE their friend because you WERE THERE for them. In times of trouble that's what means the most.

Even if you aren't sure what to say to them, just being a shoulder to cry on or a person they can vent to helps a lot. There some other great ideas here http://www.7cups.com/depression-help-online/ for you from the 7 Cups team:)

Support them.Telling them it's going to okay.Talk to them abiut their daily life.Ask them what makes them happy and tell them to do things that make them happy.And if it pretty serious advice them to visit a psychologist.

Sometimes, you just can't help people the way you think you can. Just being with them, and supporting them will help massively. You have to listen to them, relate to them. I've suffered from depression, and sometimes, you just need someone to listen and be there for you.