Riya Baibhawi

How to Support Someone with Depression?

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">Depression</a></span> is more common than many realize. According to the <span>National Alliance on Mental Illness</span>, one in three people in the US will experience depression at some point in their lives, and one in eight will face a major depressive episode. While awareness about depression is growing, knowing how to talk to someone struggling with it remains a challenge.

<h2>What Not to Say to Someone with Depression</h2>Despite good intentions, some common responses can be unhelpful or even harmful. Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Dave Rabin, while speaking to a media organisation, highlights a few key mistakes:

Offering unsolicited advice: While activities like meditation or gratitude journaling can be beneficial, people with depression primarily need compassion and a listening ear before receiving suggestions.

Telling them how they should feel: Phrases like "You have so much to be grateful for" or "Others have it worse" can invalidate their experience. Depression is an illness, not a logical reaction to circumstances.

Using clichés and social media quotes: Statements such as "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger" can feel dismissive. Depression is complex, and well-meaning platitudes rarely provide comfort.

Reaching out and offering <span>support</span> can make a significant difference. Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez suggests prioritizing meaningful communication, whether through a text, call, video chat, or in-person conversation. Here are some helpful phrases:

"I’m thinking about you. How are you doing?"

A simple check-in can be powerful. Listening without interrupting or offering solutions allows the person to feel heard and understood.

"I love you, and I’m here for you always."

Depression often convinces people they are unworthy of love. Reassuring them through words and consistent actions can counter this belief.

"How did today go? How was your meeting?"

Specific questions show that you care and are engaged in their daily life. General questions like "Are you okay?" may not prompt much response.

"I can’t take this from you, but I can help you carry it. How can I support you?"

This validates their struggle while offering practical help, whether through accompanying them to an appointment or simply spending time together.

"I hear how upset you are, and your feelings are completely valid."

Depression can make people feel isolated or abnormal. Acknowledging their emotions as understandable can provide comfort.

"I’d love to listen if you’d like to talk. Want to grab coffee?"

Many people with depression worry about being a burden. Expressing a genuine desire to listen—paired with a concrete invitation—can encourage them to open up.

A well-timed lighthearted joke, like "These are ruff times," can offer a moment of relief. However, humor should be used cautiously and never at the expense of their feelings.

"I don’t know exactly how you feel, but I can sympathize. Tell me about your experience." Rather than assuming their struggle mirrors your own, invite them to share. Relating to their emotions without overshadowing them fosters connection.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Mental Health

national alliance on mental illness

Health & Welness

Support

Depression

The Youngest Boy In The World Underwent A Successful Robot-Assisted Surgery

Can Combining Turmeric And Coffee Help You Fight Fatty Liver Disease?

Health & Wellness

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

Depression is more common than many realize. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in three people in the US will experience depression at some point in their lives, and one in eight will face a major depressive episode. While awareness about depression is growing, knowing how to talk to someone struggling with it remains a challenge.What Not to Say to Someone with DepressionDespite good intentions, some common responses can be unhelpful or even harmful. Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Dave Rabin, while speaking to a media organisation, highlights a few key mistakes:Offering unsolicited advice: While activities like meditation or gratitude journaling can be beneficial, people with depression primarily need compassion and a listening ear before receiving suggestions.Telling them how they should feel: Phrases like "You have so much to be grateful for" or "Others have it worse" can invalidate their experience. Depression is an illness, not a logical reaction to circumstances.Using clichés and social media quotes: Statements such as "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger" can feel dismissive. Depression is complex, and well-meaning platitudes rarely provide comfort.Supportive Ways to CommunicateReaching out and offering support can make a significant difference. Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez suggests prioritizing meaningful communication, whether through a text, call, video chat, or in-person conversation. Here are some helpful phrases:"I’m thinking about you. How are you doing?"A simple check-in can be powerful. Listening without interrupting or offering solutions allows the person to feel heard and understood."I love you, and I’m here for you always."Depression often convinces people they are unworthy of love. Reassuring them through words and consistent actions can counter this belief."How did today go? How was your meeting?"Specific questions show that you care and are engaged in their daily life. General questions like "Are you okay?" may not prompt much response."I can’t take this from you, but I can help you carry it. How can I support you?"This validates their struggle while offering practical help, whether through accompanying them to an appointment or simply spending time together."I hear how upset you are, and your feelings are completely valid."Depression can make people feel isolated or abnormal. Acknowledging their emotions as understandable can provide comfort."I’d love to listen if you’d like to talk. Want to grab coffee?"Many people with depression worry about being a burden. Expressing a genuine desire to listen—paired with a concrete invitation—can encourage them to open up.Using humor thoughtfullyA well-timed lighthearted joke, like "These are ruff times," can offer a moment of relief. However, humor should be used cautiously and never at the expense of their feelings."I don’t know exactly how you feel, but I can sympathize. Tell me about your experience." Rather than assuming their struggle mirrors your own, invite them to share. Relating to their emotions without overshadowing them fosters connection.