What to Talk to a Friend/Dear one with Depression or Anxiety?

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Mental Well-being Tips

Supporting a friend/dear one with depression or anxiety

If you know someone who is experiencing depression or anxiety, it can be difficult to know how to show them support.

More often we do more harm than good by saying:

Cheer up
Look at the brighter side
Things are not that bad as they seem
Stop over reacting
You become what you think
You are very strong, show some strength

How your depressed friend would feel?

Person would feel that your positivity is forcing him to become someone who he is not capable of at this moment, his confidence would be shaken and will become more frustrated and upset.

“If simply saying some positive phrases to a person with depression was the solution, the illness wouldn’t be so serious.”

5 things to do when a friend is Depressed or anxious

Tell your friend that you are seeing he/she is going through a hard time.
1. Is everything OK?
2. Ask if he/she is ready to talk about it
Remind him/her that you are here for them whenever they want support.
Ask if you can help them with anything?
Tell that he/she is not alone. You may not actually understand what he/she is going through but you are there to listen to them.
Encourage them to seek help and reassure them that there is nothing wrong with going to a psychiatrist.

Know someone struggling with anxiety or depression? Encourage them to seek help – consult a psychiatrist.

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