7 Things a Depressed Person does not want to hear.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, behave and could lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. The key word there was physical, because you feel like you physically cannot do anything. Feelings of hopelessness and failure take over your mind, and your body shuts down on you because of stress. Depression makes you feel defeated, like you have no strength to get back up. A person who is depressed may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities. Depression is more than just sadness; It is deeper than that, having depression may require treatment or psychotherapy. Depression is not a weakness, and you cannot simply “snap out” of it. Let us get into learning about 7 things a depressed person does not want to hear, and what is healthier to say to them.

Think positive and positive things will happen to you.

I hate this one, mainly because a depressed person does not say “I want to be negative today.” They are closing themselves off to you, and the world for a reason or no reason at all. Most of them never come out and say, “I am depressed and I need help.” This happens strongly in the Latino family because they do not want to be labeled as crazy. Stigma is strong in our culture. Some see having depression as a sign of weakness and refuse therapy, this approach needs to stop. Talking to a professional is a sign of strength and acceptance. Speaking about positivity is helpful to someone who needs inspiration or lost their job, but that statement does not work well for someone who is going through depression. Instead listen to them, and accept that their feelings are valid. Say “I am here for you.” Talk to them about all the amazing qualities they possess and can give to others.

Do not make them feel guilty about things they have or have not done in their lives.

You know the saying “don’t kick people while they are down.” This will not only upset them, but it will make them feel even worse. Saying things like “you should have listened to me” or “this is happening because you are x y & z,” is simply wrong and toxic. The last thing someone needs to hear when depressed is for you to bring them down and call them names. Instead talk about all their success, say “you have come so far,” and “I admire your resilience during this difficult time.” This will make them remember the bad ass strong person they are.