3 Things You Should Never Say To Someone Struggling With Depression - Page 2

1. “You have so much to be grateful for.”

Claudia Giolitti-Wright, a psychotherapist based in New York told Time in an interview published June 6, that she cringes when clients with depression report back about the negative and discouraging things their family members say when they’re down in the dumps. She believes that “But you have so much to be grateful for!” is the worst offender. 

“It implies that gratitude should cancel out and suppress depression, when that’s simply not how the brain or nervous system works,” Giolitti-Wright explained. “You can feel absolutely numb and be grateful at the same time. You can have success and think positively about some things and still be depressed. These truths coexist, and when we fail to hold space for both of them, we risk silencing the people who need support the most.”

Instead of making your loved one feel like their emotions are invalid, try responding with something that shows you are there to listen and offer your support. 

“I’m really glad you shared that with me. I’m here for you,” is a great place to start, the psychotherapist shared. This validates their experience without judgment, showing support without implying they should feel differently.

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