Nine Phrases to Avoid When Someone's Battling Depression
- By Wiebke Tomescheit
- Depression
- Psychology
- Psychiatrist
- Health
- Psychiatry
Understanding Depression: Nine Phrases to Avoid When Speaking to Those Struggling (Strong Advisory) - Negative Remarks to Avoid when Speaking to Individuals Struggling with Depression (Starlight Publication)
Although a psychiatrist might not have compiled a list of nine specific phrases to avoid when dealing with folks grappling with depression, there are several comments that are generally considered inappropriate. Here's a list of nine potential pitfalls to steer clear of:
- "You don't look depressed." - This less-than-compassionate remark disregards depression's hidden nature.
- "Look on the bright side..." - Trying to force a negative to become positive can frustrate someone who's already down in the dumps.
- "You control your own happiness!" - This sentiment reinforces the myth that depression can be wished away.
- "We all get sad sometimes." - While this might be true, it minimizes the intricacy of depression.
- "Get over it!" - It's dismissive and the severity of depression often goes overlooked with statements like this.
- "You're just being lazy." - Given that depression usually involves energy drains and loss of motivation, this remark can sting.
- "Snap out of it!" - This phrase implies a simple solution to a complex condition.
- "You're not trying hard enough." - Blaming someone for their difficulties can increase their misery.
- "You're weak if you need therapy." - This stigma against mental health treatment can discourage those struggling from seeking help.
When confronted with someone confronting depression, it's vital to practice empathy, be a shoulder to lean on, and refrain from harsh judgment. Encourage them to seek professional help if necessary, and offer your support as they journey towards healing. (Additional insights: [1] [4])
- To effectively support individuals facing depression, it's crucial to avoid dismissing their struggles with comments like "You don't look sick" or "You just need a health policy change in your community to improve your mental health and health-and-wellness".
- In light of the complexity of depression, it's essential to reconsider utilizing science-backed health policy strategies, as opposed to employing simplistic solutions such as "Just think positive" or "It's all in your head".
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