This is another one of those articles I compose that could benefit from some gentle softening, but I’m not going to. This is important, and a feather is not the blunt tool required for a proper illustration.
Here’s the rub. To the Muggle Layperson, the following list of…
…may seem reasonable, supportive and common sense. To the Peer, these time-honored polished turds are as useful as a magnetic colon in a shrapnel factory in helping us feel any better. No feathers here tonight, ladies and gents!
Let me try to explain. People with farsightedness would not choose to have farsightedness. People with leukemia would not choose to have leukemia. People with ulceratic colitis would not choose to have ulceratic colitis. People with major depression would not choose to have major depression. Making any sense? I hope so.
I suppose the guiding principle when reading this list is:
What is this difference? Fair enough. Here’s the difference.
Peers, this list will be far too familiar. Muggles, please remember that no one chooses to have major depression. The list will make a lot more sense that way, and it’ll shed some light on why these aren’t the best things to say to someone experiencing major depression, no matter how pure the intent.
I mean, c’mon. Who would choose to have major depression? I’d much rather choose to have a magnetic colon in the shovel & rake aisle of Home Depot.
Just get over it.
Have you tried thinking happy thoughts?
You’re always so negative.
Stop overreacting.
Did you take your meds today?
If you’d get out of bed and do something you’d feel better.
When was the last time you took a shower?
Drama! Drama! Drama!
You aren’t eating enough.
You’re eating too much.
If everyone else can get over their depression, why can’t you?
Do you want to talk about it? You’ll feel better if you talk to someone about it.
You’re strong. You’ll be fine.
Can you try to be normal?
Hey, life sucks. Deal with it.
I sometimes feel you like being depressed.
I know when I’m catching a cold and do something proactive about it. It’s the same for depression. (an executive board member at NAMI Albuquerque shared this bit of wisdom with me when I sat on the board)
Why don’t you just grow up already?
You look horrible!
It’s your choice to be depressed.
Happiness is a choice.
You’re not going to have any friends left if you don’t snap out of it.
I’m sure you’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.
Are you sure your meds are working right?
Aren’t you sick of listening to yourself?
I give up! You’re impossible to talk to!
Scientology.
You’ve got everything so good, so what do you have to feel sad about?
Look, there are a lot of people who are a lot worse off than you.
What do you have to feel depressed about?
You are what you think. Think you’re happy and you’ll be happy.
It’s all in your head.
Geez, lighten up already!
Aren’t you feel better yet?
Take a really long shower. That always cheers me up.
You need to get out more.
It’s a beautiful day! Why don’t you go out in the sunshine?
Everyone gets depressed sometime.
You should get off those meds. They’re just making it worse.
Scientology.
You’re responsible for your own emotions.
We’ve all got our cross to bear.
Talking to you is pointless because you won’t listen.
Your psychiatrist isn’t doing you any favors.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
Big surprise, you’re depressed again. Aren’t you always?
I’m sure you’ll get some good poetry out of all of your suffering.
Get over it!
You want to know why you’re so depressed? Because you only think about yourself.
Have you tried some herbal tea with honey?
What you really need is something truly shitty to happen in your life and then you’ll finally have some perspective.
Just pull yourself together.
Depression is your way of punishing and pushing away everyone who cares about you. (Everyone, I’d like you to meet my ex-wife Susan)
Cheer up!
Thanks a lot, you’re making me feel all depressed now, too!
You are such a buzzkill!
Get out in the fresh air and out of your bedroom.
Happy is as happy does!
Go dancing, go for a walk, go to a concert, go jogging, go to a movie, go to the bookstore, go for a hike, go for a drive, go to the grocery store and buy your favorite food… it’ll make you feel better.
You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. (You catch more flies with the shit you’re spewing out of your mouth than the decomposing body of a beached humpback whale… what’s your point?)
No one said life is fair.
You’re worthless. (Lovingly shared with me by the ex-wife Susan)
You are so selfish.
Can’t you understand I’m just trying to help you?
I’m sure if you wait it out you’ll feel better soon.
Ug, I’ve heard this all before.
Can you focus on something else?
Would you like to listen to someone who whines all the time?
What do you have to worry about?
That is so a non-issue.
Your so-called problems aren’t that big of a deal.
Get a hobby.
Dude, get a grip!
Dude, have a chill pill!
Dude, just get over it!
Dude, it’s not all that bad!
Dude, everyone goes through this!
Dude, you’ll be fine!
Dude, don’t worry so much!
It’s not as bad as you think.
Can you try a little harder?
Can you even remember the last time you were happy?
You’re making it up.
You need a boyfriend.
You need a girlfriend.
Just pull yourself together.
You think you have problems.
Get out and volunteer for something, that way you won’t have time to feel sorry for yourself.
What makes you happy? Do that.
It’s official! You’ll never be able to hold down a job! (Another gem from my lovely ex-wife Susan)
Everyone has a little mental illness.
Shit or get off the pot.
When was the last time you took a vacation?
Tell yourself affirming things about yourself and soon you’ll start believing them.
It’s your own fault you’re depressed.
Scientology.
Depression is how God is punishing you for all your sinning. (I had a pastor tell me this one time… I don’t think I like the God he prays to…)
Here comes the Tickle Monster!
You brought this on yourself.
You have absolutely no reason I can see for feeling this way.
I’m really disappointed. I thought you were stronger than this. (the lovely ex-wife Susan again)
You can do anything you want once you set your mind to it.
Once you start feeling better you’ll see how ridiculous you’re being.
Why should I care? You never listen to me when I’m depressed.
You’ve been taking pills for ages. Aren’t you supposed to be cured by now? (Saint Susan, the ex-wife)
You’re too young to think you have real problems already.
You’re the only one you’re hurting.
It’s always your problems first and everyone else second.
Get off your arse and doing something!
It’s no wonder your girlfriend left you!
Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! (such a bad bad bad thing to even suggest to someone with depression)
Why don’t you laugh anymore?
Smiling uses less muscles than frowning.
I only loved you when you were successful. (And once more to the Saint Susan barrel of nonsense)
You want to be this way, don’t you?
Everyone has a shitty day every now and then.
Are you sure this isn’t just PMS?
You don’t look depressed to me.
Hey, buck up! It’s not as bad as you think!
Just don’t think about it so much.
Blah blah blah blah blah… cry me a river.
Dear Abby is getting sick of your flood of letters.
You don’t like being depressed? Then change it.
Really? You look fine!
Okay, attention-whore. Just calm down.
Hey, I know exactly what you’re going through. I was really super depressed for about a week after my cat died.
