Depression is a serious illness that affects more than 120 million people around the world. Perhaps you have noticed that your partner or on...
Chronic depression or Major Depression is a persistent state of depression rooted in many factors (including chemical imbalances in the brain) that lasts for at least two weeks. This can have a huge negative impact on a loved one's work life, family, sleep, eating habits, and physical health. So when you come across a depressed friend, family member, or co-worker, make sure you don't make these six comments. Although they may seem commonplace to you, they sound somewhat insensitive to a person with depression:
1. Get over it
Depression is a serious matter, which is not always easy to treat. Getting professional treatment of many kinds, including prescription drugs, therapy, and even alternative treatments can help, but telling the person, “You need to get over it,” won't help in the slightest.
2. It's not that big of a deal
You really don't know how difficult the situation is that the person with depression is experiencing. The event that triggered this condition may not be of great importance on the surface, but depression can cause great damage internally, once it has taken root. Even if you can't understand what the person is going through, try not to deny or minimize what they're feeling.
3. You are weak
Being sick is not synonymous with weakness. And showing a prejudiced attitude towards someone who is suffering shows a lack of compassion and understanding that will only make the sufferer feel worse. Although a person may feel fragile due to her ailments, calling her weak will not give her greater strength.
4. Stop complaining
Shaming a person with a psychological disorder is cruel and can cause further damage. Seeing the person reaffirm the very feelings he wants to get rid of seems illogical and can be irritating, but you have to keep in mind that deep down he feels much more helpless. As human beings, we tend to express what we feel most of the time. If that person were happy, he would express joy instead of sadness.
5. I already got over it
What works for you may not necessarily work for someone else. Another's experienced with depression may be very different from yours. Each human being has its own biological predispositions and different life history. This makes the treatment something individual and non-transferable. Furthermore, overcoming a certain situation does not mean that the problem has been eliminated. You may have beaten depression in some ways, but if you haven't fully resolved it yet, it can resurface at any time.
6. You will be fine
Be careful when using those words. Depending on how you say them, you may seem inconsiderate, indifferent, or cold in the eyes of your loved one. Maintain eye contact, smile in a friendly way, and if you trust the person enough, extend your hand, give them a warm hug, and a firm pat on the shoulder as you say those words. If you think he's going to be able to get over it, let him know.
Remember to keep your feelings about life and all its ups and downs in perspective when addressing someone with depression. Even if you see a simple solution, a depressed person may see only hopelessness and emptiness in their future. Maintain open communication and strong ties in your spiritual and biological family. Right now, that person you love needs you more than ever.
If you want to know a little more about how a person suffering from depression feels, be sure to watch this interesting video.
Article translated and adapted to Spanish by Maia Fernandez from the original 6 things you should never say to someone with depression by Georgia Lee.
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