Comment by scrollaway

Right, i was specifically outlining depression. Taking care of a sick person, i would also err on the side of giving more specifics eg. "Tell me if you want me to get you groceries or something".

But there is a difference between empty platitudes such as "thoughts and prayers" and a genuine albeit abbreviated "I'm your friend and I love you, I don't know how I could help you, but if you know, don't hesitate to ask on account of it being too much."