Monday, September 8, 2014

"15 Things you should not say to someone struggling with depression."

1. “Other people have it much worse than you do.”

NBC
Someone else having problems does not make your problems disappear.
What you should say instead: I’m sorry that you’re hurting. How can I help you?

2. “You’ll feel better tomorrow.”

ABC
This isn’t fair, and it puts a lot of pressure on a person who is already struggling every single day to find the light again. Depression isn’t something that goes away overnight.
What you should say instead: Take it one day at a time, and I’ll be here with you through them all.

3. “Life isn’t fair.”

Paramount Pictures
This is, once again, downplaying this person’s feelings. No, life may not be fair, but that won’t make them feel any better about their situation.
What you should say instead: I’m so sorry this has happened to you, but we can and WILL get you through this.

4. “You just have to deal with it.”

Paramount Pictures
Someone who struggles with depression IS dealing with it…every single day…as best they can. Saying this undermines them and could make them feel as if they aren’t good enough.
What you should say instead: You don’t have to deal with this alone. I am here for you.

5. “Life goes on.”

Lifetime / Via realitytvgifs.tumblr.com
Yeah, life does go on, but for someone dealing with depression, it can feel as if they are stuck with no way out. They probably have trouble imagining getting through a day, let alone the entire week.
What you should say instead: You have so much to live for, and I will be with you to help you rediscover those things.

6. “I know how you feel, I was depressed once.”

HBO
It might go without saying, but no one person’s feelings are exactly the same. This could make them feel as if you’re downplaying their feelings and struggle. Not everyone deals with things the same way, and that holds true for depression. And let us all remember: Depression is much more than a bad mood or bad day.
What you should say instead: I can only imagine what you must be going through, but I will try to understand the best I can.

7. “You’re being selfish.”

FOX
Chances are, a person struggling with depression is probably already being incredibly hard on themselves. They don’t need you to cut them down, as well. And remember, depression is not a choice. They are not choosing to do this.
What you should say instead: I really miss you. What can I do to help?

8. “Go out, have fun, have a drink, and forget about it.”

A night out on the town is no cure for depression. Depression isn’t just a bad day. It’s a hundred bad days, all at once, with seemingly no way out.
What you should say instead: I would love to spend some time with you, and I’m more than willing to be your shoulder to lean on. Maybe we can grab some coffee and catch up?

9. “You’re bringing me down.”

CW
Again, repeat after me: Depression is not a choice. A person struggling with depression may feel helpless. They are struggling to help themselves; the last thing they need is the extra worry and pain of trying to help you.
What you should say instead: I hate seeing you so down. What can I do to help?

10. “What do you even have to be depressed about?”

CW
Depression isn’t always caused by a traumatic or sad event. Sometimes, it just happens. That doesn’t make it any less serious.
What you should say instead: I’m sorry I didn’t realize you were struggling, I’m here now.

11. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”

CBS
There’s a big difference in feeling sorry for yourself, and struggling with depression, although sometimes the two go hand in hand.
What you should say instead: I can see that you are struggling, and it makes me upset. What can I do?

12. “You need to go on a run.”

Screen Gems
Although exercise can help combat bad days, when someone is struggling with depression it may be too difficult to even get out of bed some days.
What you should say instead: I need a walking buddy! Will you walk with me?

13. “You just need to get out of the house!”

Again, for someone struggling with depression, leaving the house could seem next to impossible. And even if they do, leaving the house isn’t a fix for depression.
What you should say instead: I don’t like the thought of you dealing with this alone. Maybe I can come over or we can go somewhere together.

14. “Everyone else is dealing with life, so why can’t you?”

Vh1
Depression is not a choice. It is not a choice. It happens. And when it happens, it will affect anyone and everyone differently.
What you should say instead: You seem to be having a difficult time and I just want you to know that I’m here.

15. “You’re strong, you’ll be fine.”

ABC
Depression will make anyone feel weak and helpless.
What you should say instead: I believe in you, and I know you can get through this. I will be here every step of the way.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please know that help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit this website anytime.
You are not alone.

1 comment:

  1. THE APOSTLE PAUL'S CONVERSION BY STEVE FINNELL

    Before discussing Saul's conversion we need to establish a point of fact. You cannot become a Christian and have unforgiven sins. If your sins have been forgiven you are a Christian. If you are a Christian then your sins have been forgiven. It is impossible to separate forgiveness, from being in Christ. How could you say I became a Christian last night but my sins were not forgiven? By the same reasoning you could not assert that I had my sins forgiven last night but I am not a Christian.

    What is true for us, was true for the apostle Paul.

    Acts 9:3-6 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what to do."

    Saul obviously believed in Jesus at this point, yet he was still not forgiven of his sins; therefore he was not a Christian. Paul was not saved by "FAITH ONLY."

    Acts 9:9-11 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am Lord." 11 And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,

    Saul believed that Jesus was Lord.
    Saul repented.
    Saul fasted and prayed for three days.
    After three days on the road to Damascus Saul was still not forgiven of his sins. Saul was not saved by faith alone, Saul was not saved by repenting alone. Saul was not saved by praying and fasting. SAUL WAS NOT SAVED ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.

    Acts 22:12-16 "A certain Ananias....13 came to me....16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'

    Saul's sins were forgiven after he was baptized in water, not before.

    Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

    Saul was not a Christian until he was baptized into Christ.

    Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved......

    Saul was not saved until he was immersed in water.

    Acts 2:38...and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins....

    Saul sins were not forgiven until he was baptized in water.

    Paul was saved the way all men are saved. FAITH John 3:16---REPENTANCE Acts 3:19---CONFESSION Romans 10:9-19---WATER BAPTISM Acts 2:38

    YOU CANNOT SEPARATE BECOMING A CHRISTIAN AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS!

    PAUL WAS NOT SAVED ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS----PAUL WAS SAVED IN DAMASCUS.

    You are invited to follow my blog. http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com

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