Mental healthHealthy relationships

Relationships and major depression

A strong social network can help you manage this mental illness.


LearnMental healthRelationships and major depression
The size of your social network
How relationships help with depression
Getting social support from many sources
What does social support look like?
Building stronger relationships
Improving communication
Building your social network
Therapy for social support

1 of 9

At times, symptoms of major depression can make you feel lonely. You may be uneasy about socializing, so you limit contact with others. But it works both ways: Being alone can also make you feel more depressed. This can cause you to withdraw further.

One effective way to disrupt this pattern is to have people in your life who you trust and feel comfortable being around.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Serv... + 3
  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. 2023.
  2. Mental Health Foundation (UK). Friendship and mental health. Updated August 13, 2021.
  3. Mind.org (UK). Depression: How can friends and family help? April 2023.
  4. Mayo Clinic. Depression: Supporting a family member or friend. April 5, 2023.
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.August, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.August, 2024
Updated onAugust, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Curious about Mental health?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

Being a good caregiver to a loved one with major depression starts with taking care of yourself.

The importance of social support for depression caregivers
Article

Find out what to do—and what not to do—to help a loved one before and during depression treatment.

How to help a friend or loved one with depression
Article

Learn what increases the odds that you or a loved one will experience major depressive disorder.

8 risk factors for major depressive disorder
Article

Learn what to expect as you go through treatment and recover from major depression.

Overcoming major depressive disorder
Article

Each year, millions of U.S. adults develop symptoms of SAD. Here’s what to do about it.

How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.