[hrkristian]

Depression doesn't really need a qualified person. You're not talking to a mentally ill person, at least not in the sense that you cannot spring a bolt in a depressed person's mind and have him go on a killing spree.

The blue sticker says you'll happily talk, and also listen if they have something profound to get off their chest. That's really the important part, it's not about giving advice.

[jacalata]

Most 'mental illness' is completely unrelated to 'likely to go on a killing spree' and this kind of ignorant crap supports exactly the kind of stigma that prevents people getting help.

[seabee]

Just to be clear we're not trivializing the condition, you're right that some sufferers of depression don't really need a qualified person (particularly if they have a good support network and sufficient strength of mind) but some people only turn around after CBT, for example.

I do agree with the general thesis that talking to someone willing to listen has a neutral to positive effect. I'd also suggest it's especially helpful for people who feel they can't or shouldn't talk to anyone else they know about it.

[DanBC]

Sadly it's well known that non-specific counseling has a neutral or negative effect. Obviously studies about this are difficult.

Someone willing to listen is important to help a person with mental health problems get support. That support doesn't have to be from a professional. It could be self guided from a good quality book or website. Or it could involve professionals, from telephone provided CBT through intensive long term psychological therapies provided by speciList providers.