Things you should and shouldn't say to someone struggling with depression

Taken from @the_depression_chronicles11 under post "how to speak to someone with depression" here

Avoid saying:

• "What do you have to be sad about, there are literally thousands of people who are worse off than you"

• "Nobody ever said life was fair, I have it hard too"

• "Stop feeling sorry for yourself"

• "Just be happy man, it's that simple"

• "You just need to stop thinking so much"

• "Snap out of it"

• "So you're depressed, aren't you always, what's new?"

• "It's your own fault"

• "You should have made better choices"

• "Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. I was depressed for a month when my cat died"

• "Your moods are sucking the life out of everyone around you"

• "If you were more pleasant, your depression would go away"

• "Have you tried chamomile tea?"

• "You've got a job, a wife, a car, you literally have it all"

• "I don't want to hear about your emotional stuff"

• "You're just too sensitive"

Try saying:

• "You're not alone in this"

• "You are important to me"

• "You are not going crazy"

• "Would you like a hug?"

• "When these feelings have passed I'll still be here"

• "I can't really understand what you are feeling but I can offer my support and compassion"

• "I'm not going to leave you or abandon you"

• "I'm sorry that you're in so much pain"

• "What can I do to help?"

• "I'll always be here to listen"