3 Things You Should Never Say To Someone Suffering from Depression

Never Say Someone Suffering Depression 1

When a loved one is depressed, it’s often difficult to know what to say. Even with the best of intentions, friends and family can often say the wrong thing, which can make the person suffering from depression feel misunderstood and even more isolated.

If you’ve never suffered from depression, you may simply not know what is appropriate and what is not when speaking with someone who is suffering.

depression

Here are three things you should never say to someone suffering from depression.

1. Pretending to Understand When You Don’t

Perhaps the worst thing you can say to someone who is depressed is, “I completely understand. After [insert specific event] I was depressed for weeks.”

The truth is, grief and depression are two entirely different things. Feeling sad after the loss of a pet or being laid off from your job is expected. These feelings are not chronic but rather expected after an isolated incident.

Depression is chronic and is often not associated with one specific incident. Clinical depression can last for years and sufferers typically cannot pinpoint the reason they are feeling what they are feeling.

Unless you have truly suffered from depression, don’t tell your loved one that you understand. Though you may want to, you simply don’t.

Read The Difference Between Sadness And Depression

2. Sharing Information from an Article You Read

Even well-researched and thoughtful articles on the topic of depression cannot possibly paint the full picture or offer the best course of treatment or action. As everyone is an individual, all treatment needs to be individualized as well.

You may have read that exercise can help lesson some of the symptoms of depression. And while exercise can release powerful “feel good” hormones, exercise alone will not offer enough full relief from the disease. Also, by lending this kind of “quick fix” advice, you risk coming across as patronizing and may make the sufferer feel as though they are not trying hard enough to “het better.”

Read Escaping The Matrix of Depression: The Hidden Antidote That Will Set You Free

3. Why Not Take a Vacation?

If you’ve never suffered from depression, it’s easy to confuse it with stress, but the two could not be more different. Telling a depressed person they just need to relax more is like telling a paraplegic they just need a new pair of shoes. Neither solution gets to the root cause of the issue.

When you love someone who is depressed, you want to help in any way you can. But offering advice or suggestions when you are unclear of what it is they are experiencing is not helpful. The best thing you can do is educate yourself on depression so you may better understand what you’re loved one is truly going through.

Read 5 Ways To Help Someone Who Is Dealing With Depression

depression

It is also advisable that you speak to them about seeking treatment. A therapist will be able to help your loved ones understand what is happening to them and guide them through the journey back to health. If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I may be able to help.

Written by:  Jacqueline D. Pearce, LMHC
Originally appeared on: Pearcecounseling.com
Republished with permission.
Never Say Someone Suffering Depression pin

— Share —

,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Depression And Despair: Letting Go And Moving Forward

Overcoming Depression and Despair Important Ways

Depression and despair can feel all-consuming, but they also signal a need for change. Learn how to heal, grow, and rediscover hope with this article by Darlene Lancer!

When reality doesn’t match our desires and childhood coping mechanisms fail us, life presents us with painful lessons that may lead to depression. The patterns we developed in response to unmet childhood needs can strain our relationships.

If we were overly indulged or our disappointment was unconsoled in childhood, we become easily discouraged or more willful as adults. Both responses hinder our ability to adapt to reality. Stubborn self-will can prevent us from finding workable solutions.

Maturity allows us to shed our illusions, accept reality, and take proactive steps to meet our needs.

Up Next

Is He Silently Struggling? 8 Symptoms Of Depression In Men

Symptoms Of Depression In Men

Symptoms of depression in men can often be overlooked. While women may be more open about their emotions, many men tend to keep their struggles hidden. They might not cry, but that doesn’t mean they’re not hurting.

Depression can show up in surprising ways, and sometimes, it’s easy to miss. Today, we are going to talk about not just the symptoms of depression in men, but we are also going to explore the impact it has on them.

This can help you spot the signs that a man might be silently struggling with mental health, and this could be the first step toward helping him get the support he needs.

Related:

Up Next

5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique for Anxiety: A Great Method to Calm Your Anxiety

Coping Technique for Anxiety 1

If you are looking for a simple but effective coping technique for anxiety, look no further: the 54321 anxiety technique is your answer!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

This technique is one of the easiest relaxation methods you can learn. So, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or facing a stressful situation it will help you stay grounded in the present moment by usin

Up Next

Music Therapy: How To Use Music For Emotional Healing?

Music Therapy How To Use Music For Emotional Healing 1

Do you ever notice how your favorite song instantly lifts your spirits when it comes on? Or how it can calm your mind at the end of a stressful day? Well, that’s the power of music. It is not just some words and sounds, it’s a powerful tool that can also heal us. So, let us explore ways in which we can use music for emotional healing.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Up Next

Is Your Depression Causing Anger? 4 Crucial Reasons to Address It

Is Your Depression Turning into Anger Crucial Reasons to Address It 1

Do you find yourself caught in an emotional tug-of-war? Is your depression causing anger? If every little frustration feels like it could explode into rage and snapping at loved ones for no reason has become a common habit, learn the ways to help yourself with depression and anger.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

As an effect of depression, anger is quite common because

Up Next

Depression Without Suicidal Thoughts: 8 Signs That You Have Been Ignoring

Depression without Suicidal Thoughts Signs To Identify 1

Have you ever felt like you are going through the motions of daily life but not really feeling present or engaged? Many people experience depression without the extreme of suicidal thoughts, and it’s often overlooked or misunderstood.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Most of the time depression is associated with visible signs of sadness. However, sometimes it does app

Up Next

10 Songs About Depression: Soulful Songs That You Will Relate To

Songs about Depression 2

Depression is the dark shadow that engrosses the normal life function of individuals making them numb or extremely agitated. In this situation, personally, I prefer to listen to music that can beat any stress with a calm vibe. And not only me, music therapy is one of the best ways to deal with depression and sadness. 

— Follow Us —