Soldier in the war of Depression

If someone is clearly depressed please don’t say chin up. It really doesn’t help.

Depression isn’t feeling a bit sad its an illness and really does kill. I am sure you mean well but it’s one of the worse phrases like ‘pull yourself together’ or man up or it’s not that bad. The list goes on. I know you likely really do care I pro. Ise but see depression for what it is.
Depression is a cruel and deadly illness and so misunderstood.
People with depression may seem attention seeking, irritating or even weak, but they are not weak, they are likely dealing with the worst demons imaginable and often cannot even see nevermind understand their enemy.
The wrong word or phrase can make things far worse. It’s difficult enough admitting you are depressed, are mentally unwell, the stigma is horrible, society is cruel in the way is deals with sufferers of any mental health or chronic illness.
So if your tempted to say. ‘it could be worse’ or ‘there are people who are far worse off than you’ don’t. Just do not say anything. You are not being supportive, you are minimising a contrition that is too often fatal and always torturous.
A simple, ‘I am here’ or ‘ready to listen’ or even a hug (not ‘hugs hun’) but a physical hug or hold of hand can save a life.
No depression is ‘mild’, it steals emotion and breads fear and despair. It causes irrational thoughts, living nightmares and way too often causes a person to escape in the only way left.
So thanks for reading, I am no psychologist nor psychiatric practioner, I sadly am a fighter and like too many others already have, may end up losing the war.
Also only say you are there for someone if you truly are. Being let down does not help.
Your friend.
Simon. (Jonesy)