Will I make their depression worse?

Asking someone about depression won’t make them get it, and asking them about suicidal thoughts won’t put the idea into their mind.

Quite the opposite.

Talking to people about how they are feeling, if done sensitively and appropriately, can be a real help. It can show the person that you recognise that they are struggling and that you care enough about them to want to do something.

  1. I still value you as a friend, you are a good person.
  2. You are important to me.
  3. I am on your side.
  4. Take it one step at a time or one day at a time.
  5. Is there anything you can think of that is making this worse for you?
  6. I think everyone should talk about their feelings, it helps everyone understand each other, their problems and themselves.
  7. Do you feel like ending it? Can I get someone to help you? I will stay and wait with you if you like?

Send us your own

  1. Pull your socks up.
  2. Stop whingeing, get off your arse and do something!
  3. Cheer up pal, it may never happen!
  4. Everyone gets depressed.
  5. Take a happy pill.
  6. Other people have it much worse than you and they don’t get depressed.
  7. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
  8. Get a job, it'll give you purpose.
  9. You've got a face like a smacked arse!

Send us your own