Category: Depression

What is Trauma Dumping, and How To Deal With It?

Trauma dumping refers to the act of excessively sharing or venting about traumatic events or experiences, often in a repetitive and uncontrolled manner.

 

On the side of the trauma dumper, this is a form of continually reliving the traumatic experience, compulsively talking about it, or even posting about it on social media.

 

This type of emotionally problematic behavior is not limited to just physical trauma; it can also refer to emotional and psychological trauma.

 

The core purpose of trauma dumping is to release the overwhelming emotions associated with a traumatic experience. Still, it often has the opposite effect, leaving the person feeling even more overwhelmed and distressed.

 

In the paragraphs below, we will explore what trauma dumping actually is, the differences between sharing and venting, the signs of trauma dumping, its effects, and how to deal with it.

 

Examples of Trauma Dumping

 

Understanding what trauma dumping is is essential to recognize this pattern of behavior in yourself and others. Still, it might be challenging to judge the situation objectively, especially if you happen to be the one to trauma dump.

 

So, before you engage in healthy coping strategies, such as self-care and boundary-setting, let’s first clear out the most common trauma dumping examples.

 

These might include but are not limited to:

 

  • Continuously talking about a traumatic event or experience with literally anyone who will listen, regardless of whether they want to hear it or not.
  • Posting frequent updates or accounts of a traumatic event on social media, often supplemented with passive aggression, bitterness, and resentment.
  • Reliving the traumatic experience through repetitive thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks that you discuss whenever you have the chance to.
  • Engaging in compulsive or self-destructive behaviors as a way of coping with the trauma. These might outreach oversharing and grow into subconsciously putting yourself in situations similar to the traumatic one.
  • Ignoring the needs and boundaries of others and only focusing on the need to talk about the traumatic occurrence that you’ve experienced.
  • Refusing to seek professional help to overcome the traumatic experience and instead relying solely on others for emotional support.

 

While it may feel cathartic at the moment, trauma dumping can actually worsen the emotional distress associated with a traumatic experience and lead to negative consequences, such as poor social relationships and increased levels of stress.

 

a man sad at home

Sharing vs. Venting vs. Trauma Dumping – What’s the Difference?

 

It’s important to note that sharing is a healthy and totally appropriate way of processing trauma. It involves talking to someone you trust, who is supportive and empathetic, about the things that bother you emotionally. Sharing can be therapeutic and can help to alleviate some of the emotional stress you’ve been going through.

 

Venting, on the other hand, is quite similar to sharing. Still, it often lacks the emotional openness and vulnerability present in sharing. Venting is typically more focused on releasing pent-up frustration and anger than processing the traumatic experience. While venting can be emotionally relieving in the short term, it can also perpetuate negative emotions and increase feelings of stress and anxiety.

 

Finally, trauma dumping is way more excessive and uncontrolled than healthy venting. It involves constantly reliving and talking about the traumatic experience in an attempt to relieve the overwhelming emotions associated with it. Meanwhile, you never listen to what the other person has to say, and you only focus on yourself and your struggle. As a result, you are unwilling to accept a solution because a solution is not actually what you’re looking for.

 

Moreover, unlike sharing, trauma dumping often ignores the boundaries and needs of others, thus leading to broken interpersonal connections and even deeper emotional despair.

 

15 Signs That You Might Be Trauma Dumping

 

Although easy to spot when you’re the listener, trauma dumping is extremely difficult to analyze if you’re the main character. Similar to other communicational patterns, trauma dumping requires a step back to analyze your behavior and recognize that something’s not exactly right.

 

So, here are fifteen signs to look for when you question yourself and your current situation:

  1. You find yourself continuously talking about your struggle, even outside your closest circle of family, friends, and relatives.
  2. When talking about what bothers you, you struggle to manage your thoughts and emotions.
  3. You ignore the boundaries and needs of others, only focusing on your need to take things off your chest immediately.
  4. You feel like no one understands or empathizes with you, even though you have talked to many people about your hardships.
  5. You feel overwhelmed and distressed, even (and especially) after talking about the traumatic experience.
  6. You often talk about your traumatic experiences to people who don’t currently have the emotional capacity to support you.
  7. You regularly share graphic or triggering details about your trauma with others in order to feel validated or heard.
  8. You struggle to control the urge to talk about your trauma, even when you understand that it’s not appropriate.
  9. You experience intense emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression, during and after discussing your concerns.
  10. You feel a sense of urgency to share your trauma as soon as you experience a trigger.
  11. You have trouble focusing on daily tasks, work, or school due to constant thoughts about your inner battle.
  12. You find yourself losing touch with reality and becoming disconnected from the present moment.
  13. You feel a lack of control over your thoughts and emotions, especially regarding the traumatic experience.
  14. You experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or digestive problems, resulting from reliving the traumatic experience.
  15. You need to control the conversation and dominate the emotional space when sharing your trauma.

Suppose you find yourself somewhere between these lines. In that case, you might be actually dealing with trauma dumping – meaning it’s time to reevaluate your strategy and begin healing instead of dragging people down the spiral you’re currently stuck into.

 

girl leaning infront of a window

Consequences of Trauma Dumping and Oversharing

 

Trauma dumping can have several negative effects, both on the person experiencing the trauma and those around them. Some of the undesired outcomes of trauma dumping and oversharing might include the following:

 

  • Damaged relationships. Disproportionate sharing can weaken relationships, as it may overlook the boundaries and emotional needs of others.
  • Re-traumatization. Trauma dumping can actually exacerbate the emotional anguish associated with a traumatic experience, as it can perpetuate negative thoughts and emotions.
  • Impaired functioning. Trauma dumping can interfere with daily functioning and negatively impact work, school, or personal relationships. It robs your everyday life of delight and replaces it with gloomy thoughts and loneliness.

Finally, replacing all meaningful communication with constant venting can easily slip you into a classic depression episode. So – once you have the emotional intelligence to admit the problem and the courage to resolve it, it’s time to act.

 

How to Deal with Trauma Dumping

 

If you’ve come to ask yourself how to stop trauma dumping, you’re halfway there! Recognizing the patterns is always crucial, and taking steps to resolve them comes easier when you clearly understand the potential consequences.

 

So, if you find yourself engaging in trauma dumping, there are steps you can take to manage your emotions and avoid its unfavorable effects:

 

  • Seek professional help. Professional therapy can be a crucial part of the healing process, as a therapist can help you work through the trauma in a safe and controlled environment.
  • Practice self-care. Engaging in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
  • Try to control your sharing habits. It is essential to be mindful of the amount and nature of the things you share and to limit them to those who are supportive and empathetic.
  • Focus on positive experiences. Instead of constantly reliving your pains and disappointments, try to focus on positive experiences and memories.
  • Practice empathy and boundary-setting. It is important to be mindful of the needs and boundaries of others and to engage in empathetic and respectful communication.
  • Take some time for self-reflection. Then, you can engage in a personalized well-being journey, play mind games, or use a mental health app to monitor your progress.
  • Do not close off completely. It’s not about never sharing anything again – it’s about restoring the balance within yourself and – consequently – in your relationships with others.

 

The good news? With the proper support and coping strategies, it is possible to heal from traumatic experiences and move forward in a healthy and fulfilling way – with your favorite people sharing and enjoying your mutual journey.

Tips To Improve Communication In Relationships

Fruitful, effective, and honest communication in relationships is something a lot of people tend to struggle with.

 

Both establishing and maintaining a meaningful connection can be challenging enough to achieve. Sometimes we expect people to read our minds, and sometimes we spare the truth in order to keep the peace. But peace is a fragile thing to keep if your mind remains unspoken and your feelings – misunderstood.

 

Then again, even if established, communication needs to be nourished and sustained in time. Unfortunately, once the contact is broken, both parties in the relationship will start to argue and hurt each other’s feelings.

 

The good news is that connecting is something that can be developed and taught with the right strategy. Though not always easy, it is always worth it, as good communication lets you strengthen the bond within the relationship and resolve conflicts better.

 

So, how to achieve this? We have some tips for you in the paragraphs below.

 

What Are the Types of Communication In a Relationship?

 

Communication generally divides between active listening and nonverbal communication.

 

Active listening brings the idea of communicating like a two-way street. For active listening to work, you have to actually listen to your partner and understand their words, thoughts, intents, and internal processes that bind together like e knot.

 

On the other hand, nonverbal communication is often referred to as body language and tone of voice. For example, a simple facial expression can send various signals to your partner, and it can also tell you a lot of what they are not actually putting into words.

 

Without these two vital communicational pillars, the relationship will struggle, thus creating more issues over time.

 

Down below, we have some tips for strengthening your communication in relationships.

 

Make a Connection

 

People tend to understand that communication is mostly about talking. However, communication in relationships also involves using written, verbal, and physical skills to cater to your partner’s needs.

 

Small talk is not communication. The most important thing is understanding your partner’s side and offering support wherever needed.

 

Sometimes healthy communication in relationships can involve you making efforts while your partner is lucrative. Remember that a relationship is a place for giving and not so much taking. Talk with your partner and admit the problems you’re experiencing. Create a starting point and focus on mending that passion and connection you had initially.

 

2 partners holding hands with couple tattoo

Recognize and Improve Communication Styles

 

Another way to make communication better is to identify communication styles in relationships.

 

There are four types of communication styles, and these are passive, aggressive, assertive, and passive-aggressive.

 

  • Passive communication is about keeping emotions locked away at all times. Such communicators usually have a hard time in relationships, as their inner realm remains a mystery to their partners.
  • Aggressive communication tends to be really intense, and such communicators also have issues when it comes to real connections due to excess emotions and poor soft skills.
  • Passive-aggressive people tend to substitute conflict with sarcasm and avoid honest conversations. Unfortunately, a delayed conflict is not a resolved conflict, and this type of escapism often comes around like a boomerang.
  • Assertive communication is the best type of relationship communication. This interpersonal and emotional contact is about being in touch with your feelings and knowing how to communicate them freely and transparently.

When you try to identify your communication styles, be more aware of what your partner is better responding to and what they are saying in a conversation.

Once you’re on the same page, you’ll be enjoying a quality connection that reaches deep enough and lasts long enough to call it love.

Mind The Six Human Needs

The concept of fundamental human needs was initially conceived by Sigmund Freud. Throughout the history of psychology, many scientists embraced the idea until it was finally pulled together by the American psychologist Abraham Maslow.

 

According to that theory, every human being has six basic needs, which, related to relationships, are as follows:

 

  • The need for certainty makes us ask ourselves if we have comfort and safety in the current relationship.
  • The need for variety requires healthy challenges to let the relationship flourish and grow. Simply finding how to keep things exciting with your partner is enough to tick this out.
  • The need for significance makes you want to feel important and unique. Note that your partner needs to know they are needed and vice versa.
  • The need for love is absolutely crucial for relationships. Everyone likes to feel loved and understood, and ineffective communication can break that. Be present with your feelings, and don’t say “I love you” s without meaning it just to end a conflict.
  • The need for growth is equally important since long-term relationships might sometimes feel stale. Humans need development, whether it’s intellectual, emotional, or spiritual.
  • The need to give is all about what you offer in a relationship and how you can do it better.

Relationships are a shared journey, so consider your partner’s needs and yours with equal amounts of dedication.

splitting a love puzzle

Do Not Avoid Conflict

Another tip when it comes to good communication is never to avoid conflict and never to leave things unspoken. Once you begin stuffing things and situations into your emotional closet, they will pile up and eventually break out as a deal-breaker.

 

OF course, when a conflict arises, things are far from roses and butterflies. Still, refusing to talk situations out will rarely bring you the precious comfort you’re looking for. Instead, use emotional intelligence and affection in order to use every argument as a means to deepen and strengthen your relationship.

Be Honest, Be Present, and Break Patterns

 

Many people wonder why is communication important in relationships. Also, what is the key to successful communication?

 

Well, sometimes simplicity is genius. It’s all about being open, being honest, setting boundaries, and staying present.

 

Being open and honest, plus setting boundaries, are the best remedies to a lack of communication in a relationship. It would be best if you came clean whenever something was bothering you without sweeping issues under the rug.

 

Let’s say that you notice a pattern of arguing over lots of food getting expired. Sit down and discuss the practice of buying as much food as you will eat. This way, this boundary is set, and the arguments will diminish.

 

A way to break the negative pattern is to understand when you are using a higher-pitched voice or tone irritating that other partner. Then, if you can, you can go forward with a sense of humor to lighten up the arguments when it gets too much.

 

All of this will lead to breaking the negative patterns which can stem from learned behaviors from parents and siblings.

 

At the end of the day, meaningful relationships are a safe space where both partners grow, get better, accept one another, and fight their insecurities together. And this process only begins when two people tear down all walls and stay open, sincere, and loving, despite all difficulties along the way.

How To Deal With Loneliness

Loneliness can come uninvited and stay a while, regardless of your age, gender, social status, and cultural background. It can stem from past traumatic events or ongoing circumstances and can extend to different periods of one’s life.

 

Feeling lonely doesn’t necessarily mean being alone. On the contrary – this is a feeling that you grow inside, sometimes regardless of how socially active or fulfilled you are. It’s a draining state of mind that constantly feeds off our daily emotions and makes us feel tired, unhappy, and unmotivated to deal with life.

 

So, what’s the difference between general loneliness and loneliness caused because of a breakup? How to heal and come back from it? We gathered some tips and tricks on how to deal with loneliness in the paragraphs below.

 

Practical Ways of Dealing with Loneliness

 

The first step in the quest of how to deal with loneliness is to recognize, acknowledge, and respect your own feelings.

 

So – focus on how you feel and try to analyze where that sentiment stems from. If you can, talk to a therapist, and they can help you plan steps toward how to combat loneliness. Therapy can introduce coping skills that you can tailor to your case, so you’ll have a long-term well-being strategy instead of a fast and short-term solution.

 

Other things you can do to help yourself out of the situation include:

 

  • Talk to your family and friends and let them know about your struggles. If you’ve lost a loved one or your job, if you’re moving to a new place, or if you’re going through a lot of stress, let your close ones know. They can help you the right way as long as you don’t intentionally alienate yourself.
  • Monitor your online presence as much as possible. Unfortunately, as much as the online world connects us through social media and dating sites, they sometimes isolate us. Sometimes, social media portrays a fake life that some individuals are living, which can lead to depression and even more loneliness. If being online feels like a burden, it’s time to log off. Instead, go for some real-life communication – be it within your closest circle or with new people.
  • Look for ways to address loneliness before it evolves into isolation and depression. Many workplaces offer an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) which gives you access to therapy confidentially. You can also opt-in for a free trial of a science-based well-being app and give it a chance.
  • Attend thematic events related to the things you love. It can be a yoga class, a book club, or a quiz night out. Thus you’ll combine things that feel good with social interaction and connection based on interests and passions.

Finally – don’t deny or try to renounce how you feel. Loneliness is best battled not through an escape but through acceptance and gradual change.

 

lonely at the beach

Joining Clubs, Volunteering, and Self Care

 

As one of the most beautiful quotes for loneliness by Michel de Montaigne says, “The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.

 

The most beautiful and fulfilling answer to the question of how to cope with loneliness is being a part of something. Whether that something is volunteering in a soup kitchen, a nursing home, a children’s hospital, or an animal shelter, it’s all worth it.

 

There is not a single universal formula on how to deal with loneliness. So instead, think about your hobbies and join local clubs or groups that play instruments, read books, paint, have photography courses, or do anything else you can relate to. Being with like-minded people will make you feel better and happier because it gives you a sense of accomplishment and community.

 

Last but not least, practicing self-care is a must when dealing with feelings of loneliness and seclusion.

 

  • Exercise and daily walks trigger endorphins in your brain, which elevate your mood and make you feel better.
  • Good and healthy food gives your brain the required nutrients, and therefore it’s not recommended to consume lots of sugar, highly processed food, and preservatives.
  • Sleeping better can affect your emotional health, so poor sleeping habits can worsen feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, consume less caffeine and sugar right before bedtime and drink more water.

 

Besides exercise, good food, good sleep, and going out, self-care is also about turning back to your most genuine passions. These might include cinema, art, gardening, or whatever else you feel drawn to.

 

At the end of the day, loneliness doesn’t mean surrounding yourself with lots of people. It means enjoying your own company and feeling fulfilled with no need for external endorsement.

 

lonely at home

Dealing with Loneliness After a Breakup

 

Breakups are one of the most common reasons for feeling profound and sometimes even devastating loneliness, regardless of whether the separation was mutually consensual or ended badly.

 

If you ask yourself how to deal with loneliness after a breakup, well, it’s not easy. When you used to spend a lot of time with just one person, and now you don’t get to do this anymore, you might feel stuck and almost lost.

 

Overcoming that feeling of emptiness and learning to once again rely on your inner resources is the first step of how to combat loneliness when single.

 

The best remedies are going for a walk, spending time in nature, reading good books, or spending time with friends. You can add praying (if you are religious), painting or doing a puzzle, picking up a sport, or just focusing on a hobby you’ve been ignoring until now.

 

There is no easy trick that will immediately lift the weight from your shoulders, but you can gradually make things better by empowering yourself to be self-sufficient and ultimately free.

 

Being The Third Wheel in a Relationship

 

When it comes to relationships, there aren’t only two people in a couple but three. The third one is the relationship itself.

 

It would be best if you nurtured not only your partner’s needs but also yours and the relationship’s. A relationship is an entity on its own, and it needs care.

 

Prioritize your needs without being too self-centered, and then move on to those of your partner. If you don’t know how to take care of yourself, then it’s likely that the relationship might deteriorate.

 

Such advice is good to be given, especially when you are fresh out of a relationship and relearning how to be your best self again. Loneliness is not only a terrible feeling but also something that teaches and opens up a new chapter of our lives.

 

It’s a way to check in with ourselves and learn how to be on our own in order to heal and move on. The answer to the question of how to deal with loneliness is sometimes right in front of us, and sometimes we need professional help to find it.

 

Remember that loneliness is not here to stay, and it will pass. Good times are around the corner, and all you need to do is keep the journey going.

Are Free Mental Health Apps Useful for Anxiety Relief?

Emotional well-being is an increasingly relevant topic for societies worldwide as organizations and authorities continuously try to analyze, measure, and address the importance of mental health for the overall quality of life.

 

Thanks to technology, we now have a shortcut to managing the stress and anxiety pandemic, and this shortcut is called mental health apps.

 

These mobile applications have been gaining popularity in recent years with the development of both science and technology in the field of mental healthcare. They provide users with a convenient and discreet way to access personalized programs, science-based techniques, and exercises to manage their daily levels of stress. Additionally, mental health apps offer a wide range of features and functions that can be tailored to meet individual needs.

 

This being said, many users are still wondering about the actual purpose, efficiency, and quality markers when choosing the best app for their needs.

 

Below, you will find our expert guide in the world of well-being tech – from basic concepts and approaches to innovations and valuable tips for making the most out of your mobile self-care routine.

What Is a Mental Health App?

Put shortly, a mental health app is a software application designed to help people manage their daily cognitive and emotional well-being levels. Interactive by design, it aims to provide users with various features, tools, and services to help manage their mental health in an easy and accessible manner by only using their smart device.

 

As of today, you can choose between tens of apps that implement different techniques for improving mental health. Their approaches can vary from games and quizzes to mindfulness and relaxation techniques, mood-monitoring tools, well-being surveys, and science-based methods from cognitive and behavioral therapy.

 

This wide variety of mental health strategies allows users to compare, choose, and pick what best suits their needs and preferences. And most importantly – to choose what delivers actual results.

mental health thoughts

What Types of Mental Health Apps Are There?

Mental health applications come in a variety of formats and are used to help people manage a wide range of mental health issues. Some of the most common types of mental health apps include.

 

When doing your research for the best mental health apps, you will stumble upon a massive abundance of alternatives on the market. First and foremost, you will need to choose the fundamental approach to rely on, and some of the main options will include the following:

 

  • Science-based apps for emotional, social, cognitive, and physical well-being. These apps are designed to help people recognize and manage their thoughts and emotions by mainly using the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy. For example, they will offer cognitive exercises, emotional recognition games, negative thoughts exclusion. etc.
  • Relaxation apps for effective stress, anxiety, and daily emotional tension management. They are designed to help people self-manage their response to challenging situations and learn to respond in a healthy and self-caring manner. The features of these apps may include guided relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, and mindfulness education.
  • Mood-tracking apps help users identify, track, and better understand the roller-coaster of their mood dynamics. They typically allow users to log their thoughts and feelings over time in order to gain better insight into their patterns and triggers.
  • Wellness apps combine good practices for mental and physical well-being and help people build better lifestyle habits. Some of their features may include health-tracking modules, lifestyle tips, and even personalized programs for nutrition and workouts.
  • Yoga and meditation apps use techniques from Eastern culture in philosophy to help people lead more resilient and fulfilling lives. They usually include audio or video guides for deep relaxation, yoga workouts, meditation, and stress relief.
  • Therapy support apps provide users with direct, live access to licensed therapists via the internet. Their essential features may include one-on-one video calls, group video calls, and instant text messaging with a matching therapist.

 

This list can surely go on for a while, as forms of mental health care and management are literally multiplying by the minute. So, except for the ones listed above, you can also find apps related to mental health education, community support groups, and exposure therapy techniques for people with phobias and irrational fears.

 

RelaxifyApp is an entirely science-based mental health app that combines the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy with deep relaxation techniques, continuous mental state assessment, and gamification for a more engaging process.

 

Or else said – we are trying to bring together the best of all worlds in an easy-to-use practical tool based on classic science and modern technologies.

mental health

How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for Your Needs?

Finding the app that meets your specific requirements can become challenging with so many options available on the market.

 

Here are some essential step-by-step tips to help you overcome the paradox of choice and make the right decision:

 

  • Consider and evaluate your needs. Before you begin your search for the best mental health app, take some time to think about your precise expectations. Are you dealing with a type of mental health issues such as depression or panic attacks? Are you just experiencing prolonged stress in the workplace? Or are you dealing with past trauma you’re looking to overcome? Analyzing these details will be the first step towards choosing what’s best for you.
  • Compare features. Once you clearly understand your needs, it is time to focus on the characteristics and features of different mental health apps. Make sure to look for features that align with your requirements, such as personalized programs, progress monitoring, or secure messaging with a mental health professional.
  • Fix a budget. You can find many free mental health apps and products within different price ranges. The good news is that most apps offer a free trial period, so you can track the price-quality ratio along with the mere price itself before making a final decision.
  • Read reviews. After narrowing down your options, start researching the list of apps you are considering. Read reviews from other users, look for industry certifications, and ensure that the app is secure enough in the long term.

 

Finally – give it a try. Whether you’re using a free trial demo or a fully functional software product, interacting with the program will provide you with all the answers about its quality and efficiency.

 

In the best-case scenario, you will find yourself gradually improving – with just a device in your hand and the proper guide, be it virtual and tech-based.

Who Can Benefit From the Regular Use of a Mental Health App?

Mental health apps can prove beneficial to anyone looking to improve their mental health and well-being. They can be particularly handy for those unable to access traditional therapy services due to cost, stigma, or other barriers.

 

Additionally, those who have difficulty managing their self-care time may find it easier to use a mental health app to stay on the right track, access helpful resources, and monitor their wellness stats visually and transparently.

 

Mental health apps can also benefit people looking to learn more about mental health principles and become more aware of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. In addition, these applications can help users better comprehend their mental status and build healthier habits by offering science-approved resources, tools, and activities.

 

With the increasing availability of mental health apps, though, it is important to note that they should not be employed as a replacement for professional mental health care in cases of severe mental illness. Instead, mental health apps should be used to supplement existing mental health care and as a prevention method before your discomfort evolves into a condition.

mental health apps

Innovations in Stress and Anxiety Relief Apps

When scientific progress and tech innovations meet, you get a world of unexplored possibilities. And mental health apps truly do utilize these opportunities in the best ways possible.

 

Some of the cutting-edge innovations used in anxiety and stress relief apps include gamification, virtual reality, progress-tracking modules, and full personalization of activities based on professional well-being surveys.

 

Needless to say, these apps are designed to be easy to use and accessible to anyone, giving them a well-deserved and ever-growing popularity all over the globe.

 

So, are you ready to feel how innovations can make an actual impact on your quality of life? Then, give the future a try today – download RelaxifyApp for free and start your journey towards the most authentic version of yourself!

How Do I Help Someone Who’s Depressed?

When it comes to depression, dealing with the situation can be very challenging – whether it comes to you dealing with it or a friend.

Helping someone else through a depressive episode begins with understanding, empathy, and a well-structured plan, based on best practices and expert recommendations. The reason is simple – when addressing someone else’s depression, you must be very careful with your words and try not to say the wrong thing, as it can have a massive impact on the person.

In the guide below, we will go over some of the basics of reaching out a helping hand to a person with depression. What to say to someone who is depressed, how to say it, and how to stay present no matter how difficult the situation is? Let’s dig deeper into the art of being there for people with depression.

 

Is Depression Just a Prolonged State of Sadness?

Depression is not about being sad for some time and then recovering like it never happened. Instead, we usually talk about a mental health condition called clinical depression, which has many different symptoms.

Such depression symptoms can be:

  • Mood changes like low energy and sadness;
  • Less appetite;
  • Not being able to enjoy your favorite activities;
  • Fatigue;
  • Having insomnia or sleeping constantly;
  • Losing or gaining weight rapidly;
  • Having brain fog and doing lots of pacing;
  • Feeling hopeless and having low self-esteem;
  • Suicidal thoughts, etc.

Depression affects 1 in 15 adults annually and can last around two weeks at a time. It’s usually triggered by a traumatic, painful, or emotionally distressing event. However, sometimes depressive episodes can come and go without any specific reason.

The good news is that both mild and severe depression is treatable. The first option is to use psychotherapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Also, long-term lifestyle changes and medications are usually prescribed alongside therapy.

But how do you handle such a delicate situation? What to say to a depressed person? Can you help ease their everyday life in a way?

 

Helping and Finding the Right Words for Someone with Depression

Lots of people ask themselves what to say to someone who is depressed and what to do to help them.

So, we have accumulated a small guide on finding the right words and knowing how to help a friend with depression.

 

Affirmations to Say to Help a Depressed Friend

When you are wondering what to say to someone who is depressed, you have to be as positive and loving as possible. So pick your words very carefully and sound as compassionate as possible.

You can tell them how loved they are, that it’s okay to feel such a way and that they are not alone. Tell them how important they are to you and that they can be sure that you will be right there by their side.

Encourage them that hope is still there, and even in the darkest days, it’s good for them to remember that they can give you a call – no matter the time. Sometimes a good old phone call or FaceTime could be the thing that will get them through the day.

Always repeat that they are still the same person before their depression episode and that they will get back to normal very soon. Remember to check up on them regularly, so they don’t sink into their melancholy feelings deeper and deeper as suicidal thoughts might surface.

Note: NEVER relate your own sad situations and times to their current situation. Sometimes linking your own experience to theirs might not help the problem but rather make the conversation about you. Instead, it would be best to let them help you understand what’s going on in their mind and where it’s coming from.

 

Recommend the Right Tools to Help

Right after giving your loved ones affirmations and having a conversation, it’s good to offer help and recommend the right tools.

You can suggest going to yoga or practicing meditation at home or in a class. However, these tools for help are simply additions to therapy and medication.

If you know good therapists, you can recommend some and reassure your friend or relative that seeking help is not shameful. On the contrary, it’s the right path toward feeling better and being more mindful of your emotions and feelings. This is the proper form of self-care and the most valuable one.

You can also suggest online therapy as a good way for the depressed person to rip the benefits of treatment in the comfort of their own home. It’s a great way to feel connected to a specialist and not have the excuse of having to leave the house.

 

Help Out with Daily Tasks

When asking yourself how to help someone with depression, the last option is to help with the everyday stuff. Sometimes just saying to someone that they can give you a call is not enough. The depressed person needs some help with their errands as depression can suck the energy from them in ways you probably couldn’t quite imagine.

Before assuming what they need, ask them directly. For example, ask what chores they must do today, clean their house, and get groceries. You can help with their kids if they have any or with their pets. You can simply be a listening ear and be there for a hug if that’s what they need.

Note that depressed people struggle with asking for help, so you can offer it instead. You can even be their exercise partner and go to the gym or run in the park. Going for a nice walk and grabbing a cup of coffee is also another form of exercise.

 

Conclusion

Generally, when dealing with mental health conditions such as depression, it’s essential to put the well-being of the depressed person first. Therefore, provide as much support and guidance to them as possible.

Depressive episodes can happen often or seldom, but their grasp on the person could be rather strong when they do. Sometimes such episodes come in with a reason and sometimes without one.

It can happen to anyone, so taking care of your friends and family and watching for any of the symptoms mentioned above can save someone’s life.

When taking care of others, you should be taking care of your mental health, too. Seek help, stay mindful, and be gentle because the light at the end of the road is a light we shine together.

Scroll to top