What to say to a friend struggling with depression

Tap to play or pause GIF. Talking to someone struggling with severe depression or suicidal thoughts can feel intimidating. It’s hard to know what to do. Here’s what to say to someone who reaches out for help. They were celebrities at the pinnacle of achievement in their fields.

Suggesting to someone with depression that it’s simply “mind over matter” is unhelpful and unsupportive and proves you just don’t get it.

So what are some things you can say to truly support someone struggling with depression? The most important thing to keep in mind is that depression is a very isolating illness. Cheer up, it might never happen’ – Firstly, what is this ‘it’ you speak of? Telling someone with depression to cheer up is like telling someone with a broken leg to just get up and go for a walk – it’s not easy! Finally, the risk of suicide is high in those living with depression.

No matter what you say or what you do to help your frien they may still experience suicidal thoughts and feelings. I have been fortunate to have great friends throughout the entire time I have been dealing with my depression — my best friend since middle school, good friends from church and close friends at school. They have all played a part in helping my recovery.

Being friends with someone struggling with depression can be difficult.

At times, when our closest friends and family are upset and dealing with depression , we cannot figure out what to tell them. As psychologist Deborah Serani, Psy. If you have a hurting friend , and you reach out without much response, don’t give up.

If your friend is struggling with depression , here are five ways that you can help your friend overcome it: Be love. Your friend is experiencing a hurt that you may never imagine or relate to, so do your best to display simple, pure love. So when approaching a friend who is showing signs of a problem or dealing with emotional distress, it is important to be patient and supportive. You may not be able to understand how your friend is feeling and it may seem uncomfortable or awkward to discuss personal and emotional issues, but you can listen and let them know they aren’t alone.

Learn what to do, what to avoi and how to recognize the warning signs of suicidal thoughts. Tell them what you notice about them or their behavior that is concerning to you. Sometimes when people are in a dark place, whether it be depression , PTS anxiety, or anything else, it can feel like no one cares.

Let them know you see them struggling , that you care, and are there to support them however you can. To buy a present for someone struggling with depression can be an exhausting task. Can you cheer up people living on the dark side of life? Christmas and the holidays are all about giving, but those fighting depression feel like they do not deserve anything, let alone receiving gifts or being celebrated. The symptoms of depression aren’t personal.

Remember that this is the depression talking, not your loved one, so try not to take. Depression doesn’t have. What You Can Do To Help.

If you know someone who deals with depression take the time to ask them if they are OK and tell them that you’re there for them.

Even these few simple words can make them feel less alone. Here are some helpful things to say to someone who is struggling. I see many clients who live with depression in my psychotherapy practice and know firsthand that having a support system can make a huge difference in the recovery process. There are many ways to help a friend who is struggling with depression , but it’s important that you don’t sacrifice your own mental health in the process.

The following are things to say and ways to help your friend or loved one suffering from PPD: 1. The lie that depression tells us is that the pain will last a lifetime. Postpartum depression is particularly painful in that it comes with guilt and fear of being a bad mother to a new baby. So, what’s a friend or loved one to do?

When you notice behavior that is isolating, it’s important to reach out. Unfortunately, there are no magic words to help a person struggling with depression feel better but it does help to acknowledge your understanding that depression is an illness–NOT a phase or some sort of attention-seeking. If I say I’ll go and drop out at the last minute, he’s never mad.

Many people misunderstand the difference between clinical depression and feeling sad or blue.