15 Things to Say to Someone with Depression, According to People Who've Been Depressed

It's difficult to know what to say to someone who is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide. You won't be able to fix the situation or solve their problem, but sometimes the individual just needs someone to listen.

I asked friends who have struggled with depression: "what are some helpful things people have said to you when you were dealing with depression?" The following 15 quotes are their answers; hopefully they'll also help others.

1- "What's up? Tell me how you're feeling. I'll probably understand how you're feeling more than you think."

2- "Even though it doesn't feel like it right now, I promise you this feeling won't last forever."

3- "Allow yourself to celebrate the little victories. You washed your face and put on pants today... that's fantastic."

4- "Magic is on the other side of letting go. So what do you need to let go of in order for you to grow."

5- "If you don't wanna talk about it, that's okay. I'm here to chat whenever you're ready. But in the meantime, I'll provide you with lots of cute puppy pictures and GIFs of people falling."

6- "You aren't crazy. You aren't weak. What you're dealing with is real."

7- "Some days you'll get better, and some days you'll experience a setback... or five, and that's okay. It's a process."

8- "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, and I really care."

9- "You aren't alone. Never feel like you're alone, because you aren't."

10- "The light at the end of the tunnel is not an illusion. The tunnel is."

11- "I'm here for you, and I'm not going anywhere."

12- "You don't go through storms. Storms go through you. So let it be and find the growth."

13- "Courage is wanting something more than you're afraid of it."

14- "You matter."

15- "Nothing you can say will drive me away. I'm here for you."

When someone is going through a crisis, sometimes listening is one of the greatest things you can do for them. However, if you think a friend or family member is contemplating suicide, you can call the Crisis Call Center at 1-800-273-8255 or visit Suicide.org for more information.