For the normal person for whom decision-making is easy, such indecision causes contempt and scorn. Depressed persons need help in making decisions, which still must be their responsibility. The agony and suffering that accompanies such decisions is very real. Patience and tolerance prove most helpful. The depressed person often feels quite worthless.
All life seems to be a failure.
Give constant assurance of the person's past activities and future productivity. If you have friends who have also suffered depression, be willing to let them speak to the depressed person. Often someone can get through the darkest days because there is a network of those who have walked the same path. Share in activities with the depressed person. Often this individual finds it terrifying to be at home alone.