Ouch. 😞
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| | | Q | | What should people avoid saying to someone with anxiety or depression? | | | | A | | "Some obvious but still sadly common ones: 'Have you tried drinking some water?' 'Have you tried going for a walk?' 'I get sad sometimes, too.' 'But you're always so happy!'" — Katy Wallis, editorial director
"When I'm trying many strategies, and someone asks, 'What are you going to do about it?' Also, I generally find the positive in any situation, so when someone says, 'I don't know why you're feeling this way; you have so many things to be grateful for,' I feel even worse." — Heidi Smith, coaching operations manager
"Some things I've had said to me over the years: 'At least you're not in [country with ongoing human rights violations].' 'Have you tried going to sleep earlier and getting up earlier?' '[Supplement] is so much better than antidepressants. It actually works!' 'Can't you just get over it? It's not that bad.'" — Veronica Zambon, senior market editor
"Please don't ever tell someone that it's all in their head. A loved one said that to me once, and it was extremely hurtful. Sure, my anxiety is in my brain, but it affects every part of my life, and it's very real. Comments like that are so dismissive and invalidating." — Morgan Mandriota, newsletter editor
Wondering what to actually say to someone you love who's living with depression or anxiety? Check out our list of dos and don'ts below. | | | | | | | | | | | If you'd like to request a specific topic, offer feedback, or chime in with your answers to our weekly questions, feel free to email us at newsletters@healthline.com. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting you on the path to mental well-being. | | | | | | | TRY THIS | | Consider Magnesium | | Not getting enough magnesium might raise your risk of depression. Foods like almonds and cashews have magnesium, or you can ask a doctor about supplements. | | | | | | | | | | | We picked these articles just for you | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. | Healthline, Optum Now, and their respective logo(s) are trademarks of RVO Health, LLC.
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