Bill Bernat ‘How to connect with depressed friends’
How did this help you or the person you’re supporting?
“I’ve always struggled with knowing what to say when my friends tell me they’re struggling with their mental health. Sometimes I try to help and but it often it ends up getting shot down which can be really upsetting when you know you’re trying to help.
"Don't take a negative response personally. I have a friend who, about a year ago, messaged me that he was really isolated and depressed. And I suggested some things for him to do, and he was like, "No, no and no." And I got mad, like, how dare he not embrace my brilliant wisdom?
And then I remembered times I've been depressed, and how I thought I was doomed in all possible futures, or everybody suddenly hated me, and things like that. It didn't matter how many people told me otherwise - I didn't believe them. So I let my friend know I cared, and I didn't take it personally.
Don't let a lack of bubbly happiness freak you out. It's not a shark attack. "Call the coast guard, my friend is sad!"
