Dealing With Depression (Part 3)

Saying things like “it’s not that big of a deal,” “you just need some fresh air,” or “it’s time to move on” rarely help.

It’s easy to tell someone you love “positive” things like this because you think you’re giving them hope and helping ease their pain, but to someone suffering from depression these kinds of simple, clichéd phrases often come across the wrong way – thoughtless, empty and essentially worthless.

The truth is phrases like these don’t address reality and only agitate the anxiety within, making a depressed person wish they were alone.  It’s like trying to strap a two-inch Band-Aid on a foot-long, gaping wound.

So what can you say instead?  Again, there’s no “one size fits all” answer.  Just be supportive. Here’s a rough idea of what you might say (maybe just not all at once):

-“I love you, and I’m not the only one.  Please believe me." 

-"Please believe that the people who love you are worth living for even when you don’t feel it."

-"Think about the good memories depression is hiding from you, and project them into the present."

-"Just take a deep breath." 

-"Be brave."

-"Take today just one step at a time." 

-"Exercise because it’s good for you even if every step weighs 900 pounds."

-" Eat even when the thought of food itself sickens you." 

-"Reason with yourself when you have lost your reason." 

-"I’m here now, and I’ll be here tomorrow too.  I believe in you.  We are in this together.”

Your words can have a positive affect on the people that need encouragement in times of depression. Ain't no room for negativity here. Speak positive, speak truth, and speak compassion. The power in your vocabulary may turn the tide.

1 Peter 4:11 "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.