What are some steps that can be taken to help people with depression?

Empathize.. it sucks feeling bad. Reflect.. how did it come this far. And activate.. no matter what the cause is, how can you get back on your feet and find your way back to work and social activities.

Give them a big long hug and show them that you care. Give them the space to reach out to you but be close by anyway. Refer them to an actual hotline phone number or e-mail address that they can use for their area of residence so they themselves can start their journey to recovery when they feel they can. 7 Cups of Tea is great from what I hear too ;). Usually depression is a very personal ordeal that is difference person to person so the only consistent steps you can take, is to be there and refer them to professionals who can be there for them too. Though it may seem great to drag them through a list of outdoor activities and call them constantly to check up on them, like many diseases, depression is an illness or/and symptom that take time to treat and recover from. So remember to give them the space they need to express what they need.

Talk to someone who cares or who will help you. This could be someone you know, a psychologist, or even just a random person on the internet. Talking to someone is the first step in getting the help you need.

Just have the patience to listen and be compassionate! Because it is usually difficult for those who are depressed to express what triggers their depression.

You can show them that you care and that it's okay to feel the way they feel. In my experience, they feel very alone and like what they feel is wrong. But it isn't. As a friend/family-member, the best you can do is comfort them and tell them you love them and that you care.

Let them know you are there for them and they aren't alone. Don't pressure them or make them feel bad in any way.

First, ask the person to get out of bed. Then, ask the person to take a shower, it would give him/her a momentum and could make him/her better. Then, ask him/her to go out with his/her friends, you know, do something and talk. You can also ask the person to drink a cup of tea or coffee. It could make the person a bit better. (Thanks to the future doctor who taught me this, yes, it's from a future doctor so you can count on these steps!)

Let them know that you care. When people are depressed, they often feel alone. Talk to them, make them feel nice.

Recovering from depression requires action, but taking action when you’re depressed is hard. In fact, just thinking about the things you should do to feel better, like going for a walk or spending time with friends, can be exhausting.

Make them happy. Go out with them and things like that. Sitting in the house is not gonna help with the problem.