What to Say to Depressed Loved Ones

The dos and don'ts of being there for someone.

The Dos and The Don’ts of Support - If anything is clear about Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams’ tragic death, it’s that depression can kill. It’s also very complicated for the loved ones of people who suffer from mental health issues as well. Here’s what to (and what not to) say to people who are depressed. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Don’t: Tell Them Life Could Be Worse - Perhaps life could be worse in your eyes, but for your loved one who is depressed, life right now is pretty bad. So don’t try to undermine their pain with your version of a “pep talk” meant to “snap them” out of it. Also, don't question someone's manhood for being depressed—depression is not a feminine trait. (Photo: Corbis)
Love Eases Your Pain - Being in love causes the brain to release dopamine, which acts on the same parts of the brain that are soothed when you take painkillers. (Photo: Inti St Clair/Blend Images/Corbis)Don’t: Tell Them That God Is the Answer - Faith can be an extremely comforting aspect of life, but when it comes to depression, prayer doesn’t cure all. Chronic and severe depression doesn’t go away without doing the work, and that work may consist of medication and therapy. (Photo: Christopher Futcher/Getty IMages)

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The Dos and The Don’ts of Support - If anything is clear about Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams’ tragic death, it’s that depression can kill. It’s also very complicated for the loved ones of people who suffer from mental health issues as well. Here’s what to (and what not to) say to people who are depressed. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

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