Volunteer befriending as an intervention for depression

any kinds of loss can precipitate major depressive M disorder: a long-term separation, perhaps, a rift in a core relationship, or even a material loss, say of a job, a residence or of financial resources. A depression may also stem from the loss of a cherished idea and feelings of loss of hope, powerlessness, and humiliation may follow, but the common theme in depression seems to involve loss and, particularly, a sense of the depleted self. From this perspective, it makes sense to ask whether the ways in which people are helped with their depression can also provide useful ideas for those who work with bereaved people.