Moderated by
D'Anna Davis, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The journey to where we are today included many ups, downs, twists and turns. Healing from the events of life is crucial in achieving mental health and happiness.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
July 7th, 2016 2:43am
There is hope for them and that there are people around them who truly love and care for them no matter what.
Actions speaker louder than words,
show that you care
Unfortunately, there is no magic phrase to help a depressed person. In fact, I'd suggest not saying much at all- just make it clear you care about them and that they're important and loved.
More important than saying something to the person is listening to them. Be someone they can talk and vent to. Respect their feelings and let them keep the conversation at a pace they are comfortable with.
No matter what you are going through, I am always here for you anytime you would like to talk to me!
Anonymous
July 15th, 2016 11:18am
You can't say much. You just have to make the atmosphere comfortable enough so they open up to you. Let them know you're there for them, no matter what. DO NOT force them to speak, that will just make it more difficult for them. Depression is like quicksand, it drowns the person and keeps them stuck, words are literally useless when it comes to helping a depressed person. Just be there for them.
For someone who is depressed all i want to say and keep saying is
"This too shall pass".
This is just a phase of life, where you might experience it, and this shall not last forever. Self belief can overcome it and you dont need any external force. Keep saying this you are stronger than what you think you are and that you need nothing/no body to make this happen.
Anonymous
July 16th, 2016 11:13am
Tell them that you are here for them no matter what and if they ever want to talk about anything you'll be by their side.
That its OK let them talk and don't judge them depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain not a sign of weakness
When talking to someone with depression, it is very important to keep in mind that this person's problems may not seem that bad to you, but they surely are for them. As someone with chronic depression, I know that having your pain acknowledged is relieving; it is the very first step. Do not minimize someone's problems, but rather try to understand how they affect this person. Keeping all these things in mind, what to say simply comes out naturally. Sometimes, only support, or a listening ear is needed. A simple "that sounds really frustrating, I'm sorry", or "I'm here for you" can make a difference.
Tell them that you'll be there to listen and help them through whatever they may be going through. Sometimes we just need the lending ear of a friend.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2016 6:30pm
Well there isn't specific thing that you can say. If you want to help the person, you should simply ask them about their depression if they're willing to talk, and try to help them. Maybe indirectly if you want. Be nice to that person and don't judge them, Try to help them and be their friend.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2016 7:38pm
I know this is cliche, but things do get better. You might lose some people in life but you will also gain people in life. Stay strong.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2016 8:43pm
Tell them that you're there for them, no matter what. You mustn't get annoyed or angry at them because of how they feel. They can't help it. You don't have to say anything at all, just let them know you're there for them if they need you.
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2016 12:04am
One thing you can do is try to give them company and make sure they don't feel alone, uncared for or unimportant
Anonymous
May 14th, 2016 11:35pm
The best thing that you can say to someone with depression is just listening. Perhaps ask them if they want to talk about what is going on and if they do, Then you should simply just listen to what they have to say and maybe tell them that you understand.
Don't point out the fact they're depressed just ask if anything is wrong or something like that try acting more casual than concerned but make sure they know in the end you really are worried but don't push it on them
Anonymous
May 18th, 2016 7:30pm
Well, first you should know, don't EVER try to pry at someone/nag them about talking to you. If they don't want to talk about something, let it be for now. You want to make them feel as though you really care, so start off with "Hey, want to tell me what's wrong?" Or something along the lines of that. Also, just listen to what they have to say. Show them that you're there for them no matter what and that you actually care.
Anonymous
May 18th, 2016 9:34pm
There is no specific thing to say -- you just have to be kind and not judgemental towards them. Be patient.
Anonymous
May 19th, 2016 11:22am
I know it doesn't seem like it now but it will get better and people love you and are there for you. Seek professional help if you need it
There is always a light. You need to force yourself to get up and surround yourself with positive people and positive thinkig It might seem hard in first day. And the next one, but you'll get trough it
Sometimes it is better not to say a word. Stay around that person, make he/she feel supported, do not leave him/her, because he/she needs you a lot.
Try to be understanding. Try to see what it would be like to be in their shoes. Say things like. :oh that sucks
Or I'm sorry. Or that must be hard. And give them support.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2016 1:35am
No specific you need to say, just be kind and caring. Be empathetic. Think about how you would like people to treat you if you were depressed.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2016 6:45am
We are not on this earth to see through one another, but to see one another through. You do matter, my friend and let me help you!
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2016 7:40am
you just have to try to help them feel better about themselves
tell them you are there for them whenever they need you, and ready to listen and help. Don't tell them to snap-out of it. They are more than just a mild sadness.
Remind them that you're there and they can talk to you if they want to, but never try to force someone with depression to tell you what they feel. Even small things like "I care about you," "You're not wrong in feeling this way" "It's not your fault, nobody blames you", and other things that show empathy and respect towards them will make a depressed person's day.
Tell them that life is not worth being sad, they have such a bright future but they need to see it, show them how lucky our lives are to be here, I mean we are perfectly angled to the sun to not burn up and not freeze, and they were born in a generation where "Anything is possible" became actually possible and is basically done
Try to be respectful, show compassion and remember that you cannot always control your actions so be forgiving and supportive,
let them know that its okay for them to feel the way they feel but remind them that you are always there for them its not easy but easier when you have support behind you
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