[nerdy]

What's the best way to encourage someone to call when they're showing outward signs of depression but you don't know them?

I saw someone who was very clearly depressed streaming the other day. They weren't responding to chat. Crying. Fetal position on the floor for 7+ hours. Very depressing social media posts, etc.

But I did not know this person. I did encourage them to call, however it was a difficult message to compose. You don't want to make them feel like they're a burden or weak ("call if you need someone") and some people may need encouragement to actually pick up the phone.

So in a situation with a stranger online, who may not see or respond to your message, what would you say?

[calvinbhai]

I think this is where social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) should allow friends to suggest anonymously to contact such a helpline (probably show it as an ad/post). Any other way would be considered judgmental/confrontational by the one who is already suffering. An inanimate / non-human thing like facebook suggesting to contact the local helpline may be very very effective in such cases.