When someone is experiencing a mental health problem, it can be difficult to know what to say. The first thing to do is listen and try to be understanding. Some general guidelines are:

Recommended:

• Saying phrases like: "I'd like to know how you're feeling"; "You must be suffering a lot"; "What do you need?"; "How can I help you?"; "Can I go with you to the doctor?"; "Would you like to talk?".
• Respect the silences in the conversation.
• Remember how loved and valued this person is.

Not recommended:

• Giving unsolicited advice.
• To force the person to laugh.
• Saying things like: "It's not that big of a deal"; "You have no reason to be like this"; "Cheer up"; "You have to do your part"; "You're pathetic"; "Stop complaining already."

We might mistakenly think that someone with depression isn't doing things because they don't want to. We need to understand that they have a mental health issue, and we can't force them to do activities they don't feel capable of at the moment. We can, however, advise them (without forcing them) not to abandon their self-care and usual routines , as this will help them lead a more organized life and improve their well-being.