What words of encouragement would you give someone who was feeling overwhelmed anxious and depressed?

Question

This is not a personal cry for help, this is more of a poll so I can find words to encourage others.

Thanks.

Answer 1

When you hit rock bottom....the only way is up.

Life is too short, make the most of it.

I am always there for you.

Life is a big adventure, you have to experience the bad aswell as the good.

to find your true self,you need to go through bad and good stuff.

Answer 2

You can't. Anything you say to someone who is depressed is a waste of breath.

I spent a lot of years very depressed and felt like I was in a different world than all the happy people. Anything you can say is meaningless because it means you're one of them, and they have no idea what it's like.

You can't talk someone out of depression, and when you try it falls on deaf ears. They know the sun will come out tomorrow and all that other stuff. Nothing you can say will make anything any better, and may actually make it worse. They'll either feel guilty for not being able to be happy, or angry because you think you know their lives better than them.

The only thing that will help is offering to find them some help from a doctor or psychiatrist and then backing off.

Answer 3

Having just done battle with this let me say THANK YOU for caring enough about a friend or loved one to want to help them. Begin by reassuring them that you're there for them. You can do both practical things (like making doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, etc) or provide emotional support through listening, calling them to let them know you care about how they're feeling and that sort of thing. Never tell them you know how they feel unless you've been through it too. Also never try to rush in and fix things, and don't be judgmental when you listen. Repeat what they have said to you if anything and always encourage them to get help if they need it. Getting help is not a sign of weakness - quite the opposite. Also, reassure them that they can get better, and that it's OK to take time to heal. Take care of yourself too.

Answer 4

this one has got me thinking and helps when I'm depressed not sure if it would help you though

"its like a finger pointing towards the moon, don't look at the finger or you will miss all the heavenly glory"

  

Answer 5

Life can only get better

Tomorrow will bring a better/new day

Try and change your negative thoughts into positive ones

Try and relax more, maybe even meditate

Live for today and dont worry about tomorrow...

Answer 6

Focus inward. Trust what you know to be true about yourself. Start small, look for small accomplishments to help you bolster your self-esteem and confidence.

These words are especially helpful if the person in question is obsessing about someone else.