Why Telling A Depressed Person To “Cheer Up” Is One Of The Worst Things You Could Do

Have you ever battled depression? 

More than  264 milion  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.

There are some common phrases people often say to a person with depression to console them, but they’re actually harmful.

“Cheer up!”

Even though you mean well, asking a depressed person to “cheer up” can, in turn, make them sadder. If they could actually cheer up, they would. No one wishes to be sad.

“Others have it harder.”

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.Different people have different levels of tolerance

“You should go out more.”

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.

“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 don’t look depressed.”

A depressed person doesn’t necessarily have to look depressed, smiling depression is a real thing. These people, even though they feel terrible inside, never show it in public and wear a smile like a mask.

“You’re overreacting.”

If a depressed person complains about having severe backaches, frequent headaches, or worsening vision, they’re not making it up or overreacting. All of these are physical symptoms of depression which can make it really hard to go on with day-to-day life.