I know what it’s like to be down in the dumps. You’re feeling sad, or you just had an argument with someone important to you. It’s hard when you feel so low that everything seems pointless and hopeless. This article is for anyone out there who might need advice on how NOT to make things worse if someone they care about is feeling down. Also, this article might be a good reminder for self-care tips.
“Cheer Up! It Could Be Worse. At Least You Have….”
If someone told you this after something bad happened to you, how would that make you feel? First of all, it might come across as condescending or rude if they’re telling you what “could” happen when really nothing can cheer them up right now. Saying this is not helpful in the slightest bit because it’s just adding salt to an already open wound. And secondly, it’ll only add more fuel to the fire and remind them of everything else they don’t have.
“Snap Out Of It!”
This saying might come across as condescending and rude if the person you’re saying it to isn’t feeling like snapping out of anything right now. What does that imply when you say “snap out of” something negative or undesirable in general? That no one would ever do those things unless there was some magical switch somewhere inside their body turning off all negativity? Also, don’t forget about chemical imbalances! Some people can’t help but feel a certain way, and they will come out of it on their own time.
“It’s All In Your Head.”
Hearing this is so frustrating for someone with depression because it’s like telling them that they can just “think” their way out of their feelings. And this isn’t the case at all! It’s not about thinking positively or wanting something bad enough; sometimes, you don’t think positive things even if you want to, and your brain gets stuck on negative thoughts/thoughts that aren’t helpful in any way. There are chemicals involved here – neurotransmitters go haywire when you’re feeling really down (or maybe one specific type is off balance), which makes everything worse than it already feels.