Towing this line can be difficult for anyone.
There are different types of depression, and major depressive disorder is the most common (viaHealthline).
Choosing the right sentiments when talking to your loved one matters.
It’s important to remember that not every instinct you have is one you should follow.
You should also avoid saying things like “just get over it” (viaIntrepid Mental Health).
Remember that depression is a mental illness, which is different from simply being in a bad mood.
Don’t rush through the conversation.
Often what you say isn’t important as how well you listen.
This lets them know that you want to support them without applying pressure.
Asking something like, “how can I best support you?”
gives your loved one the opportunity to tell you what they need (viaVerywell Mind).
It also helps to tell them how well they’re handling the situation.
When you have depression, it’s easy to be overly hard on yourself.
Remind them that those thoughts aren’t reality.
If all else fails, it never hurts to tell your loved one that you care about them.
