Things You Should Never Say To Someone Struggling with Depression

It’s only natural to want to help a loved one or friend struggling with depression, but some responses could have that person feeling embarrassed or ashamed for asking for help, factually incorrect or even harmful.

Lifehacker has a list of things you should avoid saying to someone with depression:

You always seem happy – Depression doesn’t have a “look”.
Happiness is a choice – People don’t “choose” depression. You wouldn’t tell someone to walk on a broken leg.
This too shall pass – This could leave someone dealing with depression feeling guilty if things “don’t get better.”
Everyone gets down sometimes – It’s dismissive.
You’re being selfish – Clinical therapist Oddesty K, Langham writes “a person dealing with clinical depression is likely having a hard time keeping up with their own personal life.”
Look at how great your life is! – comparisons don’t help ease depression.
Just eat right and exercise! – This comment could come across as condescending; leave it to the professionals.

So, what can you say to help someone struggling with depression?

You can say:
Thank you for telling me.
I’m here if you want to talk.
I love you / You’re important to me / You’re not alone.
Have you spoken to [doctor, therapist, family] about these feelings?
This must be hard for you, but you’re doing the right thing by talking about it.
What can I do to help?

Lifehacker says even if you don’t have the right words, one of the best ways to help a loved one with depression is to simply be there and listen to them.

SOURCE: Lifehacker