8 Things not to say to a depressed person
There was this person I met online and we were actually having a good time when suddenly I opened up that I am diagnosed with major depressive disorder and is currently taking medication. Just out of nowhere, he told me to “it’s all in your head, just be happy and you’ll be cured.” Then we debated. Afterwards, he blocked me.
We, people, as human beings, are innately compassionate. Oftentimes, when we see someone who is going through something, our first reaction is to comfort and talk to them. I am very grateful for people who are very supportive but sometimes, conversations end up being offensive because of words that people say to people who are diagnosed with mental illness such as depression.
So here are 8 things that you should try to avoid when you are talking to a depressed person:
1. You look happy, you are not depressed.
Yes, I’m depressed, so I need to look like my old 2000 self when I had bangs and eyeliner while listening to emo songs. Most of us don’t want you to see our vulnerability or even want to start the awkward conversation of why we are sad so we are trying our best to smile and be happy. Also, making everyone happy is a little achievement for us.
2. Look how lucky you are. Someone is worse.
Doesn’t mean maraming nagugutom na Pinoy, I need to forget how I feel and think about them. This statement is very frustrating because it ignores the fact that sadness and depression comes in different levels and doesn’t mean something is worse than the other, you will ignore the fact that another person is suffering.
3. Just let it go, snap it out, it’s all in your head.
I don’t like it either! When someone has cancer, you don’t just tell that person to stop having cancer! How? How do I snap out of it?
Try telling someone with lung cancer and tell him, “Stop thinking about lung cancer, it’s all in your lungs.”
4. Why are you depressed, what are you depressed about?
I HAVE NO IDEA. If only I know, it would be a lot easier for me and my therapy to provide solutions with what I’m going through. One big factor with depression is the hormonal imbalance. I am not just grieving, I’m depressed.
5.  It’s just a phase. I was depressed once then I overcame it quickly.
You are not depressed. You are just sad. If your sadness continues in weeks, months, and years, and most commonly, without reason, then that’s depression. I totally get it that you want me to feel that I am not alone but for you to compare my persistent sadness to your short-term sadness is totally unfair.
6. Have you seen an albularyo (quack doctor)?
7. You’re using depression as an excuse.
You’re just staring at your computer, you’re lazy. You are not going out of bed, you’re lazy. You don’t attend social gatherings, you’re an asshole. You are failing grades, you’re stupid.
Can’t you see, I’m trying? I’m trying my best to be good into something but it’s my mind which hinders me from doing such. I always lose focus thinking about nothing, I am on my bed because the idea of getting up requires much energy. I am getting more anxious.
My mental illness is not an excuse for me being an “asshole”.
8. Nag-iinarte ka lang. (You’re so finicky) You’re making it up.
Okay, first of all, my medication is 2,500 baht. To see a therapist can range from 900 to 1,500 baht. Why would I just make up one thing that hurts my pocket so well? This is the stigma in our society. People think that depression is an illness of rich people and that middle to low class people can’t have depression. Also, people don’t accept the fact that mental illness is real. Yes, Joey De Leon, I’m talking to you.
I am trying. We are all trying. So please, don’t make it harder for us. The reason why people diagnosed with mental illness don’t disclose it to anyone is because people are giving advice and messages that make it worse.
I will be making a video about how to talk to people with depression so I’ll see you again next week. BYE!