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  • What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️
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Living with depression

What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

Community manager
06/11/2025 at 15:00

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avatar Somya.P

Somya.P

Community manager

Last activity on 02/04/2026 at 10:46

Joined in 2023


982 comments posted | 68 in the Living with depression group

91 of their responses were helpful to members


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Hi everyone 🌼

How are you feeling today?

When you live with depression, you quickly learn that not all support feels supportive. Even when people mean well, some phrases can sting, or make you feel even more misunderstood or isolated.

💬 Let’s talk about it:

  • What are some things people have said to you that just weren’t helpful?
  • How do you respond when someone says the wrong thing, or doesn't know what to say at all?
  • Is there something you wish people would say instead?

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Sharing our experiences can help others learn what real support looks like, and maybe even open the door to better conversations in the future. 💛

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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avatar Jonbon31

Jonbon31

Edited on 12/11/2025 at 09:54

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avatar Jonbon31

Jonbon31

Last activity on 29/03/2026 at 23:27

Joined in 2016


9 comments posted | 3 in the Living with depression group

4 of their responses were helpful to members


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1 ahh your just feeling sorry for yourself

2 if your single get. Go get yourself a girlfriend/boyfriend

3 There are people who are worse off than you who have nothing

4 Can you not just be happy

5 Did you not take your medication

6 Go to Mass pray to your faith

7 Everyone has [This content has been moderated by an administrator] in their lives

8 Go to the pub for company

9 Don't go to those support groups, it will depress you more

10 Find a man or woman to have sex with.


What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️ https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-depression-5866 2025-11-06 18:19:27

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avatar sodowninsurrey

sodowninsurrey

10/03/2026 at 20:33

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avatar sodowninsurrey

sodowninsurrey

Last activity on 10/03/2026 at 20:33

Joined in 2019


37 comments posted | 33 in the Living with depression group

2 of their responses were helpful to members


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@Jonbon31 You could probably add a few more to that list as well: “You don’t look depressed” or even worse, “It’s all in your head.”


What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️ https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-depression-5866 2026-03-10 20:33:12

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avatar technics29

technics29

07/11/2025 at 01:46

avatar technics29

technics29

Last activity on 21/03/2026 at 12:36

Joined in 2015


5 comments posted | 2 in the Living with depression group

1 of their responses was helpful to members


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I lost most of my friends due to the fact that they would use the generic phrases those that have never assisted used, "pull yourself together" "there's light at the end of the tunnel" "you need to sort yourself out" "your just attention seeking". No-one truly knows what you go through unless they walk in your shoes. For me it's hard to discribe how it affects me, as it can change so quick. Even the week meaning people can make things worse if they don't understand our think they know what's best. Sometimes family are the worst. Since my mum passed 5 years ago I've not really spoken to my sisters as they don't understand how it affected me, and they never listen when I try to explain. (there all older than me)

See the signature

Phill v.


What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️ https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-depression-5866 2025-11-07 01:46:04

avatar talldreamer

talldreamer

24/12/2025 at 07:40

avatar talldreamer

talldreamer

Last activity on 24/12/2025 at 07:47

Joined in 2015


4 comments posted | 2 in the Living with depression group


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What have you got to be depressed about? You have a lovely partner, nice home etc


What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️ https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-depression-5866 2025-12-24 07:40:26

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avatar Suzie79

Suzie79

25/12/2025 at 17:06

avatar Suzie79

Suzie79

Last activity on 11/03/2026 at 12:03

Joined in 2016


4 comments posted | 1 in the Living with depression group


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@talldreamer You could be a millionaire and have depression. You know you have a good life but you can't get feelings of pleasure or satisfaction..your just numb

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Suzie x


What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️ https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-depression-5866 2025-12-25 17:06:57

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avatar sodowninsurrey

sodowninsurrey

10/03/2026 at 20:31

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avatar sodowninsurrey

sodowninsurrey

Last activity on 10/03/2026 at 20:33

Joined in 2019


37 comments posted | 33 in the Living with depression group

2 of their responses were helpful to members


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I’ve heard a few of these over the years, especially things like “just think positive” or “others have it worse.” I know people usually mean well, but it can make you feel like your feelings aren’t valid.

For me the hardest part is when people think depression is just sadness that you can switch off if you try hard enough. It’s much more complicated than that.


What NOT to say to someone with depression 🗣️ https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-depression-5866 2026-03-10 20:31:00

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