When I was in the corporate world we had a benefit called Employee Assistance Plan. I would speak with my colleague and suggest that they seek help and discreetly inform our manager of the situation.

Depression can stem from several root causes.

Poor diet or not enough rest.
Chemical/hormone imbalance.
Incorrect/over medication. Trad medicine hands out psych meds like candy and should be shot.

Most of the time it is because of codependency, trying to force situations that cannot be forced, being 'out of the moment' clinging to the past or anxious about the future (both do not exist), a lack of self-acceptance, a lack of acceptance of others and -what is'.

Abraham Hicks says that if you can change your mood holding a positive dominant thought for 17 seconds, you can make happiness into a habit. I can raise my own vibratory rate in 30 seconds.

And if the circumstances call for a good cry and half a bottle of tequila, hell yeah.

But the beginning is to find out why. Then you can fix it.

Our natural state is peace and happiness. What's in the way of that?

Listening matters.  Dealing with issues such as this depends on the situation and the people involved. 

Well, if they are seriously depressed and not just having a bad time, I'd suggest they talk to a professional. But if things just haven't been going well, I'd listen. If they wanted suggestions, I'd give them. Otherwise, I'd just be there.

I would listen intently and then advise them to speak to a professional.

Counseling is not taboo as it once was and I let them know that am not qualified to counsel them but, I will certainly be there to listen anytime they need me.

Simple, I don't let the little things get to me, therefore all issues are little ones

Paul,

I would tell them to start counting their blessings...

I listen and really make an effort to totally duplicate and understand what they are dealing with. I may or may not offer any input - they may not want any.  Rather than give an advice on their "situation", I would attempt to get them to spend some time outside each day - walking at looking at the environment rather than "thinking".  I would also get them producing, get into action and getting products out (completing cycles of action). Production is the basis for morale. Whatever they are doing I would get them to do it faster - move the body faster. Slow or no motion body motion go hand in hand with depression. It is very difficult to be sad/depressed when one moving their body quickly. No one gets depressed while they a playing a game of raquet ball or running or simply busy zipping from appointment to appointment, getting the kids off to school, getting the shopping done, mowing the lawn, wahsing the car etc etc - there's no time to for the luxury of sitting around feeling depressed.

I come across the many who are plagued by unfinished personal business, trauma, dysfunction and hopelessness and in a a few short moments can help them get better footing so they may unravel their burdens and begin to leave them behind. Each approach is subject to the moment we are in and exclusive to the person involved. I also have books to leave them with....

there's not much one can do other than suggest they seek professional help....

Kat Palmiotti and I are on the same page regarding this!

I can't remember anyone ever telling me they were depressed. True depressives, like my brother, often don't admit they are depressed. You just need to know how to read the signals of depression. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain and can be treated.

People often confuse feeling "down" with depression. Often just listening to someone helps.

I would let them speak. Most of the time they probaby just want to vent, but it's important to recognize signs of serious depression when professional help might be in order. If they feel comfortable opening up to you that way, they must feel you're a special person, Paul.

Sometimes people need someone to listen. If they really seem depressed, encourage them to seek help. There's no shame in that. I agree with Candice A. Donofrio that it can come from many things and there could be a real solution. Some people have a moment of depression because of what's going on in their lives and perhaps they need some counseling to get through their situation. I'd suggest they speak with their doctor and/or get counseling. Some people struggle with lifelong depression. Hopefully they're under a doctor's care as well. They definitely need systems to help them cope. 

I've never had to deal with that; however, I would listen and suggest they get professional help.

Be sympathetic.

Unfortunately, depression is now very common, especially among teenagers... when suicidal depression may lead to extreme actions...

Also unfortunately, depression is nearly twice as likely to affect women.

My advice, if you feel depressed, worn out, sad for a long time, reach out, talk to someone, even if that someone is not very close to you. 

If someone tells you they are depressed, let them talk to you, be kind. 

I would listen. Be empathic.  Suggest they get professional help. 

I've been there myself. Sometimes the walls just close in too fast. I always tell them to seek out someone professional to talk to. It is good to get a perspective outside our industry.

I have not had that challenge. Depression can be very serious...even life-threatening.

Be supportive on-the-spot, offer to be there for them, let them know you are there if they need to talk,better yet call them to check in on them or to take them out someplace & do something fun. Lastly, recommend professional help. There's lots of good drugs that'll help ease anxiety. 

We all have ups and down in our business.  I try to listen to CD's that lift my spirits up.

I have had this happen in the past, from other agents to sellers to buyers. I take each one as it is and try to help. SOme cant be helped, they have to want to be helped

See a professional; psychologist first and if organic, get medication.

I would worry about them, and try to listen to their issues.   

Keep Busy !!!

I just think, there is always tomorrow. 

Try to convince to get professional help

Sometimes drugs are needed, other times they just need a bit of direction.

For sure, that person needs to get help.

Advise they seek professional help. Sometimes life events are bigger than our capability of handling on our own.

Defer to a licensed professional.

I just ignore them for the most part. It's the ones that never say anything about them being depressed that i might worry about.

Recommend frequent walks in the community. This simple solution is helpful for many.  Sadly, some will need professional advice.

Prozac of course.

Seriously, one must take care to know whether its is illness that is speaking or a condition environmentally (spiritually) induced. 

We as a society have LOST the capacity to help those who are in distress and the basics of hospitality gone with the greatest generation. We like to defer to the PROFESSIONALS. Ugh.

First LISTEN

Second: transfer

Third: reconnect

Fourth: remain PRESENT

Because our society fails in most if not all aspects, those in need find alcohol, drugs and perverse behavior more reliable than friends and family.