Talking to someone about their mental health can be tough.
You don’t want to say the wrong thing, but what would be considered “wrong”? That depends on the person, the situation, and the conversation, of course. However, there are certain things that are never helpful for anyone struggling with depression or anxiety to hear, regardless of your relationship or the struggle they’re facing.
“It’s all in your head.”
Yes, mental health involves the brain, but that doesn’t make it any less real. This dismissive comment ignores the physical symptoms many people experience. Mental health challenges affect every aspect of daily life. Psychology and neuroscience show us how mental health impacts our entire body. The brain-body connection means mental struggles create very real physical experiences.
“Just think positive.”
Clinical depression isn’t solved by happy thoughts and good vibes. Mental health conditions are complex medical issues that need proper care. Suggesting someone just “think happy thoughts” trivialises their experience. This advice can make people feel guilty for not being able to simply switch their mood. Professional support and treatment usually play key roles in recovery.
“Other people have it way worse.”
Pain isn’t a competition or comparison game. Someone else’s struggles don’t make your own any less valid. This comment often silences people who need support. Everyone’s experience deserves recognition without measuring it against anyone else’s. Mental health challenges feel uniquely tough for each person going through them.
“You don’t look depressed.”
Mental health doesn’t have a specific look or uniform. Many people mask their struggles behind smiles and productivity. Looking okay on the outside doesn’t reflect inner battles. High-functioning anxiety and depression are very real experiences. External appearances rarely tell the whole story.
“Have you tried exercise?”
Source: Unsplash While movement can help support mental health, it’s not a cure-all solution. Exercise alone doesn’t replace proper mental healthcare. Some days getting out of bed takes all available energy. Movement helps but suggesting it as the only solution oversimplifies complex issues. Recovery usually needs multiple approaches working together.
“Just get over it.”
Mental health recovery doesn’t operate on command. Healing takes time, support, and often professional help. Nobody chooses to stay stuck in mental health struggles. Recovery follows its own timeline for each person. Simple solutions rarely address complex mental health needs.
“Everyone feels this way sometimes.”
Normal sadness differs from clinical depression. Occasional anxiety isn’t the same as an anxiety disorder. This comment minimises genuine mental health conditions. Clinical symptoms deeply impact daily functioning and quality of life. Mental health conditions need proper recognition and support.
“You’re being dramatic.”
Mental health symptoms feel very real to those experiencing them. Panic attacks and anxiety create genuine distress. Dismissing someone’s struggles as dramatic causes real harm. People rarely exaggerate mental health challenges. Taking symptoms seriously shows basic respect and understanding.
“Just pray about it.”
While spirituality helps some people, it’s not everyone’s solution. Mental health often needs professional treatment alongside faith. Suggesting prayer as the only answer oversimplifies recovery. Different people need different types of support. Faith and treatment can work together when appropriate.
“Stop thinking about it.”
Source: Unsplash Mental health challenges don’t disappear by ignoring them. Intrusive thoughts don’t respond to simple dismissal. Anxiety and depression need proper coping strategies. Pushing thoughts away often makes them stronger. Professional help teaches healthy ways to manage difficult thoughts.
“You’re bringing everyone down.”
Nobody chooses to struggle with mental health. Making someone feel guilty about their symptoms adds to their burden. Mental health challenges already create enough isolation, and this comment increases shame and loneliness. Support matters more than judgement.
“Just try harder.”
Source: Unsplash Most people with mental health challenges already push themselves daily. Getting through basic tasks often takes enormous effort. Suggesting this implies they’re not doing enough already. Recovery needs understanding rather than pressure, and small steps forward deserve recognition.
“You’ve got nothing to be sad about.”
Mental health conditions don’t need specific triggers or reasons. Depression can hit even when life looks good on paper. Brain chemistry doesn’t check your bank account or relationship status. External success doesn’t prevent internal struggles. Mental health challenges affect people from all life circumstances.
“I know exactly how you feel.”
Every person’s mental health journey looks different. Similar diagnoses can create very different experiences. This comment often leads to unhelpful comparisons. Supporting someone doesn’t require sharing identical experiences. Listening matters more than relating.
“You’re too sensitive.”
Mental health conditions often heighten emotional responses. Increased sensitivity might be a symptom rather than a choice, and this phrase dismisses genuine emotional experiences. Everyone processes feelings differently. Emotional responses deserve respect rather than judgement.
“Just take some medicine.”
Treatment decisions belong between patients and their doctors. Medication helps some people, but isn’t for everyone. Mental health care often needs multiple approaches working together. Treatment plans need professional guidance rather than casual advice. Each person’s path to wellness looks different.
“Snap out of it.”
Recovery takes time, patience, and proper support. Mental health challenges can’t be solved by willpower alone. This phrase oversimplifies complex medical conditions. Healing happens gradually rather than instantly. Professional help often guides the way forward.
