J.K. Rowling offers magical response to fan struggling with depression

Words alone may not heal, but they can provide the encouragement — the magical touch — that someone needs.

And if anyone understands that, it's Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling, who used the power of the written word to encourage a struggling fan early Tuesday.

“Could you please teach me how to scare the dementors that have been living under my bed? I'm tired of being sad all the time,” the fan tweeted in an allusion to depression, adding, "I’m tired of feeling useless all the time. I’m tired of panick (sic) attacks and my head aching and those dark circles under my eyes.”

“They’re bothering a unique, valuable human being who deserves happiness,” Rowling replied. “Ask for help. Don’t fight alone. Big hug.”

Rowling’s virtual embrace prompted fellow Potterheads to tweet messages in solidarity. One user offered encouragement by emphasizing self-care.

Rowling has previously opened up about her own depression and how Dementors — the soul-sucking creatures that first appeared in the series' third installment, The Prisoner of Azkaban — were inspired by that dark period of her life.

“I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never,” she explained to Edinburg University’s student magazine back in 2008. “What’s there to be ashamed of? I went through a really tough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that.”