Things You Must Never Say To People With Mental Illness

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental disorders not only in the United States but all over the world. You or someone close to you likely has a mental health problem. Fortunately, we live in an age where people are working hard to improve mental health awareness. Regardless of awareness, the problem remains that if you have not had the mental condition yourself, it can be difficult to know what to say to that individual, let alone understand what they are going through. When you see your loved one suffering from mental health issues, the greatest thing you can do is remember that their pain is real, listen, and try to understand. Try not to say these to them because, they cannot overcome by themselves but only through the help of a Therapist.

Keep Your Spirits Up

When you use this statement, you are associating a change in mood with an all-consuming, sneaky sickness. Depression is not the same as having a terrible day. We can all get back on our feet after a tough day. A person suffering from depression may require treatment for weeks, months, or even years before feeling better. Make no jokes about a serious illness. Instead, validate their sentiments by responding and telling them smoothly that it may take some time to feel better.

It Will All Pass

But when you’re depressed, it doesn’t feel like it’ll ever go away. When someone is in an episode of a mental breakdown, it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Depression appears to be unending and never-ending. When you strive every day to feel better but don’t get relief, you start to lose hope. You are reducing the seriousness and helplessness they feel by telling them their sadness will pass. You’re downplaying their predicament. Instead, assure them that you will be there for them no matter how long they are suffering.

Making someone feel less alone can have a greater impact than you realize!

What exactly are you depressed about?

A person may have a great job, a nice home, a lovely family, and a large number of friends. Depression, on the other hand, does not discriminate. Just because things appear to be going well on the surface does not imply they are not in pain. Allow yourself to consider the possibility that not everything is as it appears.

You’re exaggerating a lot

In reality, a depressed person’s behavior might not even begin to show the intensity of their suffering. When a person is overcome with grief, there are no set of guidelines for how they should act. Instead of passing judgment on their actions, keep in mind that mental illness is a vicious and formidable foe. Have empathy for others.

It is all in your head

Depression is a psychological condition and the mind, like the heart and lungs, is an integral element of the human body. Any illness that affects any portion of the body is equally valid. You would never argue that someone with diabetes or cancer may just believe they are healthy. So don’t fall into the trap of believing that a depressed individual can.

You don’t appear to be depressed

What does it look like when you’re depressed? While it’s true that some people stop caring for themselves physically as a result of severe depression, it’s also true that people can look to be perfectly healthy. People are affected by depression in different ways. People suffering from depression can appear to operate normally at times. They may look after themselves, go to work, and even grin or laugh at times. This isn’t to say they aren’t suffering from internal turmoil.

Nobody wants to experience the crippling sadness that comes with depression. It is an unpleasant sensation. Counseling, medication, and months of healing may be required before a depressed person feels better. Instead of telling them to turn it off, tell them that you recognize they don’t have that authority. To someone who is struggling, understanding is a rare gift.

It might be a lot worse

Depression distorts a person’s perception of the world. They understand that things may be much worse. They could be subjected to torture or be destitute. When people are depressed, though, knowing that things may be worse does little to help them feel better. Loneliness, being misunderstood, and endless inner pain can occupy their thoughts. These emotions have the potential to make a person physically unwell. Bringing up the fact that people in other nations are starving will do nothing to alleviate the misery of someone suffering from despair. Instead, make sure they understand that you care about their pain.

Don’t be too self-centered

Those suffering from depression may appear to be entirely focused on themselves. Depression can consume a person’s thoughts and behaviors. It is difficult for people to see beyond their misery when they are overcome by thoughts of hopelessness. This does not imply that they are self-centered. It causes them to harm other people. You’re contributing to the guilt and shame that come with emotions of worthlessness and isolation by calling them selfish. Instead, advise them to look after themselves. Offer to babysit for them or bring them groceries to give them a break. Encourage them to engage in self-care activities such as getting a massage or seeing a therapist.

You think you’ve got it rough

Don’t make light of someone’s suffering by implying that you have it worse than they do. You can’t possibly know what’s going on in another person’s head. You are entirely diminishing the significance of their disease by claiming that you have it worse than they do. Tell them instead that you can’t begin to imagine what they’re going through, which is accurate. Simply be there for them and listen to them. People that are depressed don’t expect you to solve their problems for them. They simply want to be heard and comprehended.

It is difficult to know what to say to a buddy who is going through a difficult time. If you are stumped for words, just tell them you are not sure what to say. Make every effort to assure them that you will be there for them and that they will not be alone. If so, contact Psychotherapy Partners, a team of licensed psychotherapists who can provide better advice and mental relaxation to your loved ones.

We are committed to providing the highest quality psychotherapy counseling for individuals, couples, and families, with tailored solutions. Because of their experience in a variety of practice settings, our therapists are also capable of treating anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.