Moderated by
Stacey Kiger, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
My belief is that therapy is not about giving advice, but joining you on your journey
Top Rated Answers
Don't let your depression define you, it is a part of you right now but over the course of time you will beat it!
Anonymous
May 19th, 2016 2:51pm
One day you'll look back and see it as just a small chapter of your life.
People who are depressed need encouragement. Tell them you're here and support them no matter what.
Tell them that you care for them and your here. Real, sincere "being there" for someone will be able to be seen easily and even if they don't say so, they appreciate it more than you know. If your not good with this, study up on what to do and tell them to get help if they need it.
People who are depressed can be very deaf to positivity. Yet, try to support them as much as possible! Help them with things that make them happy. For a person who is depressed, the smallest gestures can mean so much more than you think. Don't give them useless advice ('why don't you just try to be happier?') - in fact, refrain from advice alltogether. Tell them positive things. Tell them what you like about them, talk to them about things that cheer them up and make them happy. Ask them how they are doing. That might be all they need.
Anonymous
May 26th, 2016 11:55pm
say nothing, just be with the person. listen to the problems and give them a big hug. avoid giving advises coz they will feel resistance, just need someone to be there...
When someone is depressed it is important that you stick by them no matter what. You can't assume that they have other friends helping them out. Just be a friend and listen to them. This can get exhausting so you have to make sure that you take care of yourself as well. If things get to be too much you can always help your friend find a therapist.
Depression is hard to deal with and to overcome. The best thing is to just be there for them, give them support, let them know you can talk to them, and constantly remind them that it's okay to be sad but eventually things will get better.
Things like "I believe in you" and "You'll be okay, this is just another bad thing, I know you can push through this" are usually appreciated but it really depends on the person
If you have a friend or family member struggling with depression, the main thing is to make sure that they know you are there for them. Just support them and don't make them feel like their depression is their fault or a burden on others. I hope this helps :)
Make sure they know you are there for them whatever the problem, try to learn by their expressions how they feel, and when they are sad make sure you know it, never tell them they are over reacting or they might feel as if you don't care,
You can never know the right thing to say to someone who is depressed. The only things that can possibly help is comforting them with encouraging words or telling them how much they mean to you. You could send them special notes or cards of how much you love and care for them if they are someone close to you.
the best thing you can do is let them know you're there for them. it is an illness, so sometimes it can be hard to help, but being there for the person and showing them support can help a lot more than you'd think. remind them that they're valid.
The thing we all want to know the most is that someone is there for us and that we can rely on them.
We all need to know that we aren't alone, and if they tell you the reason for being depressed, don't tell them you understand unless you do. Make sure they know that you're there for them and that even though you don't completely understand the issue, you'll be there for them.
This too shall pass. Do the next right thing, whether it be to take a nice bath or make a nice cup of tea and ask yourself can I survive the next 5 minutes?
Just be supportive of them and yet try to be genuine, You don't have to force yourself to say things, but if they're someone you care about, just be there when they need you.
These 'I know how you feel' and 'You should do this and that' not gonna work for sure. You just be supportive and encouraging when they reach out to you.
"Hey, depression is a hard thing to go through alone. Want to talk about it? A lot of times you may feel a bit better after talking about situations."
Anonymous
June 12th, 2016 10:26pm
When someone tells you there depressed is a very hard and sensitive situation. You need to be easy on them, they need to know that you'll be there to listen. I mean you may possibly be the only one who can. You need to make sure that your glad that they told you and that now that they have you will be able to listen at anytime, providing advice and support throughout the conversation. Depending on how severe it is, even asking if there ok every now and then can make up anything. Telling them that everything's going to be fine.
Definetily don't tell them to just "get over it", depression doesn't works like that, its not just sadness, its a weird combination of hopelesness, sadness, and other things, the best you can do is to offer them to listen, to prove them that you are going to be by their side when they need, and that way you will help them manage, if not overcome their depression
Reassurance and empathy are key. Dark times call for positive reinforcement. Also just conversation in general. Talking definitely helps to distract the mind from dark thoughts and feelings.
If you or somebody you know is depressed, I would seek help from a professional, especially if suicide is becoming an option. If your friend is dealing with depression, try to talk things out with said person. :) Let them know that you are there for them.
Anonymous
June 26th, 2016 12:42pm
Pointing out their strengths amidst the struggle. That I, for one, support and care for them and see good in them.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2016 3:43am
There is no specific words to say to someone who is depressed! The best that you can do is to be there for them, talk to them, and try to understand them.
First, you should say to them you're here for them. That they are important for you, and that you care a lot about them. But, never tell them their problems are small, or compare their depression with other persons' one, it will makes them feel less worthy, and guilty.
Ive been through depression and I've found that everyday, try to count ten things throughout the day that make you smile, it really helped me.
Express your empathy towards them, often people who are depressed feel abandoned or feel like a burden to others. When you show that you care about them and you're here for them, it makes them feel more loved and accepted. All they want is to be accepted and not have their emotions belittled.
Always remind them that they are important and that they are loved and never alone. Even if their brain is telling them otherwise, it is so important to let them know how much they matter.
Depressed people can be hard to talk to but one thing you can say to them is that even though they don't think so, someone always loves and cares for them. Try telling them about 7 cups and also try to relate to them the best you can ♡
Anonymous
July 6th, 2016 1:59pm
Be nice, be caring, and be gentle. They don't need pity, they need someone to be there for them, they need support.
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