What is the best way to help someone who is dealing with anxiety/depression?

Sometimes I feel what I do is inadequate or awkward. I want to be there for them but I have trouble relating.
Any advice from someone who has been through this is welcome.
Thank you.

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Dontknowme · 31-35, M

What you do will always be inadequate if your goal is fixing it. I dont want to be that guy, but I will be anyways; you cant fix it. What you can do is listen. Be a shoulder to cry on. Be somebody to go "yeah, that asshole!" with. It can't be your whole relationship, but you can only do what you can.

NewKidInTown · 51-55, M

@Dontknowme Thank you. I am well aware I can't fix things, only to be supportive. Its HOW to be supportive that I struggle with.

Dontknowme · 31-35, M

Just talk, be there for them. Listen to their problems, maybe remind them to take a break if it all gets to be too much. (Read, music, whatever works). Perhaps most importantly, remind them that there are proffesionals who can help with this. And be there through that process if need be. Theres one one good answer, you will be disappointed here if thats what you are after. What works for one person wont necessarily work for another. All you can do is really keep doing what you are doing, caring and being there for them. For many people, thats all they really want.

NewKidInTown · 51-55, M

@Dontknowme Thank you. Your words are encouraging and supportive to what I have been doing :)