It’s hard to know what to do if someone you care about is depressed — especially if they aren’t seeking help. Learn what to look out for and what you can do.

Depression is more than just having a bad day — it affects people for weeks, months, or years. It’s more than just sadness. It’s a combination of symptoms that often includes low mood, reduced interest in pleasurable activities, or feelings of low self-worth. Depression prevents people from living full lives, colors their thinking, and affects their behavior. For some people, depression feels insurmountable.