What not to say to someone who is struggling emotionally?

Telling someone they don't want to get better can be quite dispiriting, especially when they're doing everything they can to find relief. “Snap Out of It.” Sometimes we might think if we're forceful enough, we can get the person to stop feeling anxious, depressed, panicked, or whatever else they're struggling with.

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What not to say to an emotional person?

What NOT To Say: 5 Invalidating Statements
  • “At least it's not…” -or- “It could be worse.” The suffering of another can elicit strong discomfort for those who witness it. ...
  • “I'm sorry you feel that way.” ...
  • “You shouldn't feel that way.” ...
  • “Don't think about it, just get on with it.” ...
  • “I'm not having this discussion!”

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What not to say to someone struggling mentally?

10 things not to say to someone with a mental illness
  1. “It's all in your head.” ...
  2. “Come on, things could be worse!” ...
  3. “Snap out of it!” ...
  4. “But you have a great life, you always seem so happy!” ...
  5. “Have you tried chamomile tea?” ...
  6. “Everyone is a little down/moody/OCD sometimes – it's normal.” ...
  7. “This too shall pass.”

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What do you say to a friend who is struggling emotionally?

What to say to someone with a mental illness
  • "Do you want to talk about it? I'm always here for you." ...
  • "What can I do to help?" ...
  • "That sounds really difficult. ...
  • 4. " ...
  • "I'm really sorry you're going through this. ...
  • "Are you looking for my perspective or would you rather I listen?"

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What's the best thing to say to someone struggling with their mental health?

Words of encouragement for someone with a mental illness: 6 helpful things to say
  • 1) “I'm here for you.”
  • 2) “You are not alone.”
  • 3) “You are worthy and deserving.”
  • 4) “You don't have to apologize.”
  • 5) “There is treatment available to you…”
  • 6) “Let me know what you need.”

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5 Things Not To Say To Someone With Depression

33 related questions found

What to say and not say to someone with mental health?

Eight tips for talking about mental health
  • Set time aside with no distractions. ...
  • Let them share as much or as little as they want to. ...
  • Don't try to diagnose or second guess their feelings. ...
  • Keep questions open ended. ...
  • Talk about self-care. ...
  • Listen carefully to what they tell you.

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How do you comfort a struggling person?

Five ways you can help someone struggling
  1. Don't force them to talk. Although it's amazing to make yourself available to listen to someone who is struggling, be aware that they might not want to talk about it all the time. ...
  2. Keep inviting them. ...
  3. Send things that remind you of them. ...
  4. Ask them what they want to do. ...
  5. Offer hugs.

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How do you make someone feel better emotionally?

What emotional support can I offer?
  1. Listen. Simply giving someone space to talk, and listening to how they're feeling, can be really helpful in itself. ...
  2. Offer reassurance. Seeking help can feel lonely, and sometimes scary. ...
  3. Stay calm. ...
  4. Be patient. ...
  5. Try not to make assumptions. ...
  6. Keep social contact.

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How to help someone who is struggling emotionally over text?

  1. “Whenever you need to call, I'm here.”
  2. “I wish I could be there right now.”
  3. “You're still in my thoughts. ...
  4. “Your family is lucky to have you through all this.”
  5. “Maybe I can't be there, but there's definitely something I can do. ...
  6. “Hey, get well soon. ...
  7. “You're doing a great job with a major responsibility.

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What do you say to someone who is suffering emotionally?

Finding something positive to say to show you respect them, such as: “I appreciate you trusting me with this problem.” Asking gentle, open-ended questions to better understand what they're thinking and feeling, such as: “How come?”; “What do you think about …?”; “How do you feel about …?”

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What do you say to someone who is struggling to cope?

It also covers statements that someone who is depressed might find helpful to hear.
  • Tell Them You Care.
  • Remind Them You're There for Them.
  • Ask How You Can Help.
  • Urge Them to Talk to a Professional.
  • Ask Them If They Want to Talk.
  • Remind Them That They Matter.
  • Tell Them You Understand (If You Really Do)

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How do you cheer up someone with bad mental health?

6 ways to cheer someone up over text
  1. Send them a playlist with some motivational tunes and their favorite songs.
  2. Share a funny video or meme.
  3. Send them a list of 10 things you appreciate about them.
  4. Remind them of a fun memory you share.
  5. Let them know that you're there to support them however they want.

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How do you help someone who is emotionally drained?

11 ways to help someone struggling emotionally
  1. Validate their emotions. Letting someone know that they are not alone and being open to what they want to share is an important step. ...
  2. Just show up. ...
  3. Be a good listener. ...
  4. Keep things confidential. ...
  5. Keep the door open. ...
  6. Spend time with them. ...
  7. Offer praise. ...
  8. Offer practical help.

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What not to say to a highly sensitive person?

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Highly Sensitive Person
  • Yes, we know we're sensitive. ...
  • “You're too sensitive.” ...
  • “Don't take things so personally. ...
  • “It's not that big a deal. ...
  • “Let's go to this loud, crowded event!” ...
  • “You can sleep when you're dead,” “Toughen up,” “Just push through it,” etc.

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What is invalidating someone's feelings?

Emotional invalidation is the act of dismissing or rejecting someone's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. It says to someone: “Your feelings don't matter. Your feelings are wrong.” Emotional invalidation can make you feel unimportant or irrational. It can take many forms and happen at any time.

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What is an example of invalidating feelings?

Examples of invalidation include: "It's not that big of a deal" "You're overreacting" "You shouldn't feel that way"

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How do you talk to someone who is emotionally down?

Focus on their feelings

Encourage the person to share how they felt emotionally about what is upsetting them. Asking the person will not upset them more but may allow the emotions they've been holding in to be released. Voicing painful feelings can help to reduce emotional distress.

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How do you talk to someone having an emotional breakdown?

What can you do when someone has a mental breakdown?
  1. Create a safe environment. A safe environment is one where a person's basic needs are met and support is readily available. ...
  2. Listen. ...
  3. Offer help and support. ...
  4. Activate their social network. ...
  5. Encourage treatment. ...
  6. Honor their experience.

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What to do when struggling emotionally?

6 Steps to Mindfully Deal With Difficult Emotions
  1. Step One: Turn toward your emotions with acceptance. ...
  2. Step Two: Identify and label the emotion. ...
  3. Step Three: Accept your emotions. ...
  4. Step Four: Realize the impermanence of your emotions. ...
  5. Step Five: Inquire and investigate. ...
  6. Step Six: Let go of the need to control your emotions.

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What to write to someone who is going through a difficult time?

Examples
  • “You're never far from my thoughts.”
  • “Know how often I think of you? ...
  • “You're on my mind and in my heart.”
  • “Keeping you close in my thoughts.”
  • “Lifting you up in prayer and hoping you have a better day today.”
  • “I can't wait to catch up with you soon.”

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What are positive mental health phrases?

  • "There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't." — John Green.
  • "I cannot stand the words 'Get over it'. ...
  • "Self-care is how you take your power back." — Lalah Delia.
  • "My dark days made me strong. ...
  • "There is no normal life that is free of pain.

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What not to do when someone is struggling?

DON'T be confrontational or try to control the situation

You want to be with your loved one while they're navigating their own struggles, not steering them or pushing them. So don't be aggressive about what they should or shouldn't do, and don't give them ultimatums.

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What is an emotional breakdown?

Instead, a mental health crisis or a breakdown of your mental health is a situation that happens when you have intense physical and emotional stress, have difficulty coping and aren't able to function effectively. It's the feeling of being physically, mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by the stress of life.

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How do you deal with an emotionally disturbed person?

It's important that you acknowledge the person's emotion and not minimize it. Use paraphrasing to show when you understand what they are saying to you. You can also use summarizing to show understanding as well. Active listening is a way to get the person to trust you and give more weight to what you are telling them.

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What are 5 emotional signs of stress?

Mental or behavioral symptoms include:
  • Being more emotional than usual.
  • Feeling overwhelmed or on edge.
  • Trouble keeping track of things or remembering.
  • Trouble making decisions, solving problems, concentrating, getting your work done.
  • Using alcohol or drugs to relieve your emotional stress.

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