Telling a Depressed Person to “Just Be Happy” Is One of the Worst Things You Could Do And This Is Exactly Why!

More than 264 million people suffer from depression globally, according to the World Health Organization. The statistic is an alarming sign that we not only need to take care of our own mental health, but we should look out for each other’s as well. However, even though we oftentimes mean well, our words can do more harm to a depressed person than we realize.

“You don’t look depressed.”

A depressed person doesn’t necessarily have to look depressed — smiling depression is a real thing.

Instead of forcing your opinions on others or judging them, we suggest you simply try to understand them, give them space, and treat them with kindness. You never know what someone is going through.

“Just be happy!”

Even though you mean well, asking a depressed person to “just be happy” can, in turn, make them sadder. By asking them to shake it off, you end up denying their pain. If they could actually cheer up, they would. No one wishes to be sad.

“It’s all in your head.”

Depression is a serious issue and no, it’s not just in someone’s head. Its symptoms range from changes in appetite and loss of sleep to feeling tired and worthless. Saying this to a person implies that you don’t believe their condition is real.

“You should go out more.”

While it’s true that getting sunlight boosts serotonin levels and walking or exercising, in general, can help one feel better, it’s important to note that depression is a serious health condition. A depressed person can’t just snap out of it by heading out. For them, even the simple task of getting out of bed is a challenge every day.

“Others have it harder.”

Different people have different levels of tolerance. Comparing your pain to others is something that should be avoided at all costs. Just because someone seems to be having it “harder,” it doesn’t mean that others don’t have the right to feel sad about their own problems.