23/02/2021
The Worst Things to Say to Someone Who’s Depressed - Platitudes don’t cure depression.
"What’s *your* problem?”
“Will you stop that constant whining? What makes you think that anyone cares?”
“Have you gotten tired yet of all this me-me-me stuff?”
“You just need to give yourself a kick in the rear.”
“But it’s all in your mind.”
“I thought you were stronger than that.”
“No one ever said life was fair.”
Why don’t you just grow up?”
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”
“There are a lot of people worse off than you?”
“You have it so good, why aren’t you happy?”
“It’s a beautiful day!”
“You have so many things to be thankful for, why are you depressed!”
“What do you have to be depressed about”
“Happiness is a choice”
“You think *you’ve* got problems…”
“Well at least it’s not that bad.”
“Maybe you should take vitamins for your stress.”
“There is always somebody worse off than you are.”
“Lighten up!”
“Cheer up!”
“You’re always feeling sorry for yourself
Why can’t you just be normal?”
“Things aren’t *that* bad, are they?”
“Have you been praying/reading the Bible?”
“You need to get out more.”
“Get a grip!”
“Take a hot bath. That’s what I always helps me
Well, everyone gets depressed sometimes!”
“Get a job!”
“Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.”
“You don’t *look* depressed!”
“You’re so selfish!”
“You never think of anyone but yourself.”
“You’re just looking for attention.”
“Have you got PMS?”
Everybody has a bad day now and then.”
“You should buy nicer clothes to wear.”
“Why don’t you smile more?”
“A person your age should be having the time of your life.”
“The only one you’re hurting is yourself.”
"Snap out of it will you"
You’re always worried about *your* problems.”
“Your problems aren’t that big.”
“What are you worried about? You should be fine.”
“Just don’t think about it.”
“Go Away.”
“You don’t have the ability to do it.”
“Just wait a few weeks, it’ll be over soon.”
“Go out and have some fun!”
Go out and have some fun!”
“You’re making me depressed as well…”
“I just want to help you.”
“The world out there is not that bad…”
“Just try a little harder!”
“Believe me, I know how you feel. I was depressed once for several days.”
“You need a boy/girl-friend.”
“You need a hobby.”
“Just pull yourself together”
“You’d feel better if you went to church”
Oh, perk up!”
“Try not being so depressed.”
“Quit whining. Go out and help people and you won’t have time to brood…”
“Go out and get some fresh air… that always makes me feel better.”
Well, we all have our cross to bear.”
“You should join a band or chorus or something. That way you won’t be thinking about yourself so much.”
“You change your mind.”
“You’re useless.”
“Nobody is responsible for your depression "
~•☆•~•☆•~•☆•~•☆•~•☆•~•☆•~
Knowing what to say to someone who is depressed isn't always easy.
While you may feel awkward and unsure at first, know that whatever you say doesn't have to be profound or poetic.
It should simply be something that comes from a place of compassion and acceptance.
What to Say When Someone Is Depressed-
"I Love you"
"You’re important to me."
"Do you want to talk about it?
I’m here when you’re ready."
"I Care"
These two simple words—“I care”—can mean so much to a person who may be feeling like the entire world is against them.
A hug or a gentle touch of the hand can even get this message across.
The important thing is to reach out and let the person know that they matter to you.
"I'm Here for You"
Depression can feel as though no one understands what you are feeling or even cares enough to try to understand, which can be isolating and overwhelming.
When you reach out to a friend, letting them know that you are going to be there every step of the way can be very reassuring.
You may not quite know what this will look like at first, but know that just reminding your friend that you are someone they can lean on can mean the world.
"Is There Anything I Can Do to Help?"
Depression places a great weight on the person who has it, both physically and mentally,4 so there are probably many things you can do to ease the burden as your friend recovers.
Your friend may be reluctant to accept your offer for fear of becoming a burden on you,
so make it clear that you don't mind and want to help in the same way you know they would for you in a similar situation.
It is also possible that depression may leave your friend so tired and down that they don't even know what kind of help to ask for.
Be prepared with a few specific suggestions, which may include:
Could you use some help with housework or shopping?
Would you like some company for a while?
Would you like me to drive you to your doctor appointments?
"Do You Need Someone to Talk With?"
"You Aren't Weak or Broken"
"What can I do to help today?"
"Your Life Makes a Difference to Me"
"It''s OK to Feel This Way"
"I’m really sorry you’re going through this.
I’m here for you if you need me."
"There Is Hope"
If you’ve had depression, you can share that you know what they’re going through.
This can help them relate.
However, keep the focus on them.
Remember to listen first.
~•🦋•~
