5 Things You Should Never Say To Someone With Depression
“You just need to think happy thoughts.”
Many people with depression have grappled with it for a very long time. There are chemical imbalances in the brain as well as environmental factors that can’t be pushed away with positive thinking. It’s a gross oversimplification of what people with depression go through.
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“Why aren’t you on medications?”
The choice to use medication is a very personal one, and just because someone is depressed doesn’t mean that they can’t make an informed decision about medications. There are real concerns about side effects to these medications that do worry people.
“It’s just a phase.”
I can guarantee that every depressed person wishes it was only a phase, but that’s now how depression works. Understand that this is sometimes a chronic issue with people and the last thing they need is for you to downplay it.
“There are people who have it worse than you.”
Depression is a legitimate disorder. It has nothing to do with your feelings about your lot in life. People who are depressed are well aware of the plights of many people. This isn’t a helpful line of discourse.
“Let’s go have a drink!”
Alcohol will only exacerbate depression. Why don’t you ask them what they want to do instead of trying to get them shitfaced.
Related: 5 Things Everyone Needs To Understand About Anxiety
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