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Things to avoid saying to someone who is struggling with their mental health (a thread):
1. "You have no reason to be sad"
We all will struggle with different things throughout our lives. All those struggles are unique to our experience and valid
We all will struggle with different things throughout our lives. All those struggles are unique to our experience and valid
2. "Just get over it"
Don't minimize someone's pain by telling them to shake it off. I'm sure if they could they would. Try to understand what they may be feeling and be there.
Don't minimize someone's pain by telling them to shake it off. I'm sure if they could they would. Try to understand what they may be feeling and be there.
3. "Other people have it way worse. Be happy"
This makes people ashamed to be feeling how they do and usually causes them to close up and not talk about what's going on.
This makes people ashamed to be feeling how they do and usually causes them to close up and not talk about what's going on.
4. Don't tell someone you are there for them and not show up when they need ya.
This reinforces the feeling of being alone. Stand by your words and be there for people when you say you will be.
This reinforces the feeling of being alone. Stand by your words and be there for people when you say you will be.
5. "It's all in your head"
Ruminating and constant dark thoughts are very serious when a person is struggling. Don't downplay that. Offer to sit and listen about what it happening.
Ruminating and constant dark thoughts are very serious when a person is struggling. Don't downplay that. Offer to sit and listen about what it happening.
Overall the easiest thing we can do for someone who is struggling with their mental health is be there. Show up with no judgment, validate how they feel and be loving and supportive.
