\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. They might need to hear this to cheer themselves up at times. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. TRY THIS: Losing a pet is so very difficult. Dec. 23, 2022 When a friend, partner, family member or co-worker is upset, you've probably wondered how best to make them feel better. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. So if theyre open to it, talking through how to overcome a particular hurdle or repair a conflict may give an upset friend or colleague a sense of control over their situation, Dr. Niven said. But I do have time to listen. Or I know youre carrying a huge burden right now. I know you are feeling really down right now. 8. Get the squad together and brainstorm ways you can help as a group. "This was really helpful. This is what it means totruly make amends.". Depression often makes us feel were worthless, like theres no point to anything, or that were unlovable. Explain why you are worried. How to help Things to avoid Handling a crisis Do you have a friend who's living with depression? Nonetheless, sometimes you might feel awkward or uncertain around what to do, which is why we asked therapists for their best advice on how to really comfort someoneincluding if you're the one who hurt them. Comforting someone when you are the reason they need comforting is a bit of a different ballgame than comforting a friend going through a breakup, for example. Depression: Supporting a family member or friend - Mayo Clinic You are loved and supported by so many people dont ever forget that, good night. Someone you love is struggling with addiction. Would you like to come over for some coffee sometime and talk about it? Or My heart breaks for you. You can do this with phrases like, "It sounds like you're feeling [insert appropriate feeling] because [reason they might be feeling that way]," which opens up the door for them to give their take, Bruneau explains. Knowing how to apologize correctly is the first step. It can be tough finding the right thing to say to someone close who has depression. But the words we use to comfort others matter, as some forms of verbal support have been found to be more helpful than others. I can drive you somewhere if you need me, or I can help by bringing food over, for example. Text tip #1: Let them know you're available. Last medically reviewed on September 14, 2021. "You matter to me.". Tell them you'll pray for them. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (Gray News) - A deputy in California rescued three puppies found alongside a road Sunday. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 3 Easy Ways to Find it. Whats done is done, and there is nothing you can do to change it now. 1 Ask how they're feeling. Don't be concerned; it's a section. Speak with a calm and caring tone of voice. To comfort someone whos feeling sad, talk to them and let them know youre there for them so they dont feel alone. In circumstances where you might want to challenge someones perspective, first explain that your feedback is rooted in how much you care about them, said Jamil Zaki, a social psychologist at Stanford University. Moments like these give us the opportunity to dig deep and summon our inner strength in order to stay afloat. Offer a chocolate bar? It can be hard finding the right words to comfort a friend who is going through a hard time. Things Not to Say to Someone With Depression When someone you care about is depressed, offering advice or wisdom may be something you do with only good intentions in mind. 6 Signs your spirit guides are speaking to you in your dreams. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How to Be Emotionally Supportive: 13 Tips, Tools, and Strategies {Explained! It is hard when we feel sad and cant seem to find anything that makes us happy. It will make a huge difference in how they see themselves and how other people view them too! If you have the perfect kid, avoid humble bragging in front of them. For instance, they can uplift a family member when a loved one dies or a friend when they're lonely. Expert Interview. We're exploring the clinical symptoms of depression, plus what signs look like in everyday situations. Just let her cryjust hold her hand. Pull in their garbage cans on trash day. People preferred this approach over strategies designed to make them feel more optimistic (like glass half-full phrasing) or suggestions to try to see the situation from another persons perspective. The biggest thing to remember when comforting someone who needs it is to figure out how you can best support them, validating the way they're feeling, and letting them know you are always there for them. What Instagram's Threads app gets right and wrong as a Twitter When a friend, partner, family member or co-worker is upset, youve probably wondered how best to make them feel better. Dr. 1. But Im here for you. Approach your loved ones with gentleness and maybe some extra assurance, I will always love you and your family., AVOID THIS: Theyre too old to be acting like that. Or Your kid needs to straighten up! Or You should just cut them off. Tough-love statements arent very helpful and can add extra anxiety. So first, listen to how they discuss their situation, she said. But every day is another page in their story. Your responsibility is not to stop their tears from flowing. 30+ Comforting Messages for Someone Who Has a Sick Family Member Here are some comforting paragraphs you can send to a friend who feels sad to brighten their day and encourage them: Related: 60 Best Self-Care Ideas For Stress Relief. When youre using these, it can help to stay mindful of your context. I've always admired your ability to handle whatever life throws at you with grace and humor. Just telling someone you're thinking about them can help them feel supported. Helping Someone with Depression - HelpGuide.org Melissa Fiorentino is a stylist, trends forecaster and green beauty expert. Theres no right thing to say to someone with depression. "The part that helped me the most was the part about the other person wanting to be heard. Then, consider this battle a matter of life and death. Heres to lasting love! Have you tried quitting cold turkey? or Just put your mind to it. You mean well, you really do. I know you care about your friends and want them to feel better, but there isnt always anything we can do. It will get easier with time, I promise. (2018). % of people told us that this article helped them. Try doing something nice for them to take their mind off things, like cooking them a nice meal or giving them a thoughtful gift. Here's what you can do to help: Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you're worried about it. 65 Comforting Words of Encouragement for Hard Times You could even bring over a pizza and binge watch a thriller or comedy series. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Whatever the reason, know that there is someone out there who cares about you and wants nothing more than for you to be happy again. Live Now | Online Holy Mass/ "the Pilgrim's Mass" - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 09, 2023 - 9:30am. Be there for them. Whether you share these with your friend or write them on sticky notes to leave around their home, some of these uplifting quotes could bring a little hope and brightness to a loved one with depression. Ask them what you can do for them. You might not think of anything that would make them feel better, but there are some things you can do for support and encouragement. These feelings are all normal. I always liked hearing your stories about his antics and hope you continue to keep telling them.. Sweet dreams my friend. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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