Hey redditors. I wasn't sure where else to post this, but I wanted to seek some help.

My best friend is going through a really tough time right now. I don't want to put his business out there, but just trust me when I say I know it's a lot.

I reached out to him because I've noticed a change in his demeanor recently and he opened up about what he's feeling - which I think was important. But....I want to make sure I'm helping the right way.

I also suffer from depression, but I've been seeing a therapist regularly for a while now and already working on recovery. I was trying to remember what worked for me, what my therapist did, etc.

So this is what I've done so far.

1. I reached out to him to check on him and reaffirmed that I care about him/worry about him.

2. I acknowledged how he's feeling and tried to validate it.

   Ex. "Thanks for feeling comfortable sharing with me. I can totally see why you feel that way, that's a lot of stuff you have in your shoulders right now. I can see why it's hard to see positive things when you're being drowned in negative things."

3. I tried to give him a positive perspective/support system.

   Ex." I know you may not be able to see it right now, but those situations are temporary "and I also acknowledged what he's already doing to change things, and ways it has already changed.

4. I reassured him I'm here if he ever needs anything.

Does this sound okay? I don't want to be pushy, and I know everyone is different but it can be hard to find something to say, you know? I REMEMBER what it's like for someone to come in all sunshine and rainbows as if it just takes a snap of your fingers to change your way of thinking, so I'm not doing that.

I just feel really inadequate in my abilities to help. :/ I just don't want him to give up, and I know I wish I had someone in my corner when I was at my worst.