Mental health is never an easy subject to talk about. Many people suffer from mental health issues, making it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, succeed in school or work, and live happy lives. Seeking professional help is vital in managing mental health issues and improving a person’s well-being, but they usually just want someone to talk to.
When someone with mental health issues talks to you, you should listen carefully because they can say anything, whether they’re venting or asking for help. For this reason, you must do nothing but listen because you may inadvertently worsen the situation. This means knowing what words you should never say, especially because you never know what someone is going through. These include:
#1 – “It’s All in Your Head.”
This is probably the most hurtful thing you could say to someone with mental health issues. It invalidates their experiences and makes them feel like their struggles are not real. It also implies that they are making things up or crazy, which is not the case. Mental health issues can be just as debilitating as physical health, so they should always be taken seriously.
#2 – “It Could Be Worse.”
Just because things could be worse doesn’t mean the current situation isn’t bad. When you tell someone that things could be worse, you’re invalidating their struggle, which can be hurtful. You must be there for people when they’re going through tough times, and telling them that things could be worse is not the way to do it. Instead, try to be understanding and supportive. Let them know that you’re there for them and that you understand what they’re going through.
#3 – “Snap Out of It!”
Telling someone to snap out of it is like telling them to stop being sad or anxious. It’s not that simple. Mental health issues are real and can be very debilitating. Telling someone to snap out of it will not help them feel better and only make them feel worse. If you want to help someone with their mental health, you should let them know that you understand what they’re going through and you’re there for them.
#4 – “This Too Shall Pass.”
As cliche as it sounds, many people find comfort in the phrase “this too shall pass.” This is because it is a reminder that no matter how bad things might seem in the moment, they will eventually come to an end. While the phrase is meant to console someone, it doesn’t favour a person with mental health issues because it can be interpreted as invalidating their feelings.
For someone who is dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue, the phrase “this too shall pass” can be a trigger. It can make a person feel like they are not allowed to feel the way they do and that their feelings are not valid. This can lead to isolation and make it even harder to reach out for help.
#5 – “You Have a Good Life, Shouldn’t You Be Happy?”
It’s a common misconception that our circumstances determine happiness. If we have a good job, a lovely house, and a loving family, then we should be happy, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Our happiness is determined by our state of mind, which is determined by our thoughts and beliefs. So even if someone has a good life, they’re likely to be unhappy if they have negative thoughts and beliefs.
This is why people who struggle with mental health issues often feel like they’re not good enough, even when they have a lot going for them. Their negative thoughts and beliefs prevent them from seeing the good in their lives, and as a result, they don’t feel happy.
#6 – “It’s All Part of God’s Plan For You.”
We cannot stress enough that you should never tell someone with mental health problems that what’s happening to them is God’s plan. Since we cannot know God’s plan, it’s presumptuous and insensitive to say this to someone going through a difficult time. It minimises their experience and implies that they should just accept what is happening to them because it’s part of some grand plan that they cannot comprehend. This is not comforting or helpful and can be pretty hurtful.
If you are religious, it’s understandable that you would want to comfort someone by telling them that God has a plan for them. But instead of saying this, try something like, “I’ll be praying for you” or “I’m here for you, no matter what.” These statements are more supportive and show that you care about the person without making any assumptions about what is happening in their life.
#7 – “Suicide Is Selfish.”
Suicide is a desperate person’s attempt to stop what they feel because they can’t take it anymore. Yes, we should prevent suicide from happening, but to say it’s selfish is problematic because they just want their problems to end. For this reason, you must never judge someone considering suicide as selfish. Instead, try to understand why they feel this way and see if there is anything you can do to help them.
Conclusion
If you know someone suffering from mental health problems, you should do your best to support them. You should also be careful about your language when discussing mental health because it can worsen how they feel. Above all else, you should open to them the possibility of seeking professional help because it’s the only way they can manage their condition.
If you need psychiatric help, Norwest Clinic can help you. We understand the mental health needs of our patients, so we’ll do our best to accommodate them and develop treatment solutions. Simply go to our website to book an appointment!
