4. What NOT to say:
“Maybe you just need a vacation.”
What to say:
“As your friend, I’m here for you.”
Packing bags and heading off to someplace relaxing isn’t going to alleviate true depression. “The depression stays with them, [and] they may even feel worse because they feel guilty for not feeling better,” says Norman Sussman, MD, a professor of psychiatry at New York University’s Langone Medical Center.
5. What NOT to say:
“Let me know if I can do anything.”
“Let’s talk through how I can specifically help you”
People oftentimes have the best intentions but produces the worst outcomes. Your actions have to match your words. It’s important that if you really want to be there and help someone, that you do what you say you’re going to do. If you don’t follow through on your promises, your lack of action could easily feed your friend’s depression.
Now, that you’ve heard all of those, here are some other runner-up phrases to never say:
“You’re always feeling sorry for yourself.”
“Why can’t you just be normal?”
“Things aren’t *that* bad, are they?”
“You don’t *look* depressed!”
“You’re so selfish!”
“You never think of anyone but yourself.”
“You’re just looking for attention.”
“Have you got PMS?”