What else can you do besides talk to the person and encourage them? Do you see this individual regularly? And first of all…WHY…is the person feeling down?
I know this may sound like a stupid question. But is the person feeling down because he/she realizes the role they may have played in the marriage ending in divorce and wishes they could turn time back and fix things? OR…is the person feeling down because of the way desi society treats divorced individuals.
Every situation is different. Was the individual married to an abusive jerk? If so…then help him/her see the positive consequences of the separation. Life is too short to put up with such toxic people no matter how much you think you might “love” them.
I would say…ask your friend exactly why he/she is feeling depressed. Let him/her give their reasons and talk about how they feel. And then take it from there. Tell your friend that “positive” aspects about a separation even if they can’t just see it yet. There is a silver lining to every gray cloud. Redirect her toward finding peace in prayer and turning to Allah for guidance and help.
AND THEN…tell your friend that talking about the former spouse every time he/she meets up with friends might delay the process of moving on. Sometimes…talking about your feeling is good. And other times…reliving the past all the time…does nothing but scratch away the healing scab of an old wound…and cause it to bleed all over again. I know this is easier said than done…but** excessive** reliving the past in your mind and discussions…can backfire as opposed to being therapeutic.
So you should involve the friend in positive activities…and NO…I don’t think watching romance movies would be among them. That just brings back memories for the person. Instead go shopping with your friend…join a class (it could be dance class, cooking class, art, yoga, etc). Go jogging with your friend or to the gym. Physical exercise raises the endorphin levels and uplifts the mood. Pursue a class…hobby…go back to school…get involved in noble causes, etc.
When your mind is busy, shaitan has little opportunity to wreak havoc with it. Plus, if the friend pursues an activity (such as taking a class)…with the intention of moving on and developing him/herself…then inshaAllah they might meet somebody totally amazing and get married again.