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Chances are, someone you know personally in your family, on your job, in your neighborhood, in church, or civic organization is suffering from depression. It may even be you that is depressed.
Love and support from those closest to you or close to a depressed person you know can be the lifeline needed to bring a person out of this uncomfortable emotional place.
There are things you can say to help someone move forward and have hope for tomorrow. It will undoubtedly be a great reminder that they are not alone. Our comfort can serve like an air-conditioner on a hot summer day. Giving a person a place to rest, regroup, and heal in a safe environment.
What is Depression?
According to Oxford online dictionary, depression is “feelings of severe sadness and melancholy.” Furthermore, it is also defined as “a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep.”
Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the world. According to the World Health Organization, 5% of adults are living with depression around the globe. However, scientific research in 2017 showed that the chances or existence of depression can be significantly reduced by quality social interactions… especially those from close family members.
How do you know when someone is depressed? There are many signs that someone is suffering from depression. It is essential to understand and recognize the symptoms. They can lead to things in adults such as:
Signs of Depression in Children and Teens
Contrary to the beliefs of many, children and teenagers can also suffer from depression. Growing up, I suffered from depression but was told to suck it up or get over it. That is the worst thing to say to anyone going though depression, especially children.
In the 80s, when I grew up, there was not enough information to help parents see the signs of depression and find help for children. Again, if you see the signs, you can be there to support and help them.
Here are common symptoms and signs in children and teens who suffer from depression. They can be similar to those of adults, but here are a few differences:
Symptoms of depression in Senior Adults
Depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in senior adults. It is not usually a part of growing older, so when it is recognized in an aging adult, it should not be taken lightly.
Furthermore, beware that most senior adults who suffer from depression are very reluctant to ask for or seek help with depression. But your love, support, and patience are of the utmost importance. Here are a few symptoms of depression that can differ in senior adults.
We should know the right words to say to anyone, young or old, to help and support them when they suffer mentally from depression. Who knows, your comments could become a mantra someone says to themselves for words of encouragement to manage or offset their depression.
61 Words of Encouragement to Comfort Someone with Depression
- Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it. – Jacques Prevert
- I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason, every event has a why and all adversity teaches us a lesson. Never regret your past. Accept it as the teacher that it is. – Robin Sharma
- Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become bitter or hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic. – John Lewis
- There is no better feeling in the world than to go from feeling bad, to feeling better. – Stephen A. Pegues
- The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
- A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you. – Joyce Meyer
- If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet, how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person. —Fred Rogers
- The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. —Tenzin Gyatso
- When you don’t feel strong, act strong, and before you know it, you’ll be strong.
- You are God’s beautiful creation and have the privilege of living within a world He created for you.
- Know that the strength you have inside of you is greater than any obstacle you will face today.
- Don’t stress over being perfect; you just have to be the person you were born to be.
- The battle within you is one you can win.
- A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. – Proverbs 17:22
- Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8
- I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone. – Dwyane Johnson
- My brain and my heart are really important to me. I don't know why I wouldn't seek help to have those things be as healthy as my teeth. I go to the dentist. So why wouldn't I go to a shrink? – Kerry Washington
- You are the one thing in this world, above all other things, that you must never give up on…Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you'll ever know. – Lili Reinhart
- When the load gets heavy, it’s time to share it with a friend.
- Troubles only last for a season. Be patient and expect something good to come.
- Life is often unfair. Don’t dwell on it. Just live through it and drive on.
- When you feel lonely, know that God loves and cares for you and wants you to live your best life.
- Dispel the darkness by opening your heart to the light.
- Remember that fear has no power to stop you from living your best life.
- When you feel like you’re drowning, lift your head above the water and take a few deep breaths.
- The pupil dilates in darkness and in the end finds light, just as the soul dilates in misfortune and in the end finds God. – Victor Hugo
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13
- I've seen many troubles in my time, only half of which ever came true. – Mark Twain
- You have a friend in me, no need to suffer in silence.
- We need to be life sheep. Sheep huddle together when the wolf comes, and it makes it harder for the wolf to isolate them and pick them apart. We are stronger together.
We need to be life sheep. Sheep huddle together when the wolf comes, and it makes it harder for the wolf to isolate them and pick them apart. We are stronger together.”
- You offer the world something unique that it has never seen before and will never see ever again.
- He knows not his own strength who hath not met adversity. – William Samuel Johnson
- Find whatever brings you joy, and make sure you experience more of that.
- Never let the pains of the past prevent the pleasures of the future.
- Surround yourself with loving, caring, happy people and get rid of the negative people that drag you down. – Heather Rose
- Keep yourself busy if you want to avoid depression. For me, inactivity is the enemy. —Matt Lucas
- Make an effort to be present today, and don’t let the past get in your way.
- When hurtful words are tossed your way, forget them and move on to the destiny that awaits you.
- Don’t let depression make you believe you’re less than you are.
- Look for something good every day.
- If you’ve fallen, take a moment to assess the situation and get back up. You can do this. Believe it!
- Pray, casting your anxieties and stresses upon the Lord can lift your heavy burdens, and restore your joy.
- You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can keep it from building a nest in your hair. – Karen H. Hamm
- It's my mission to share this with the world and to let them know that there is life on the other side of those dark times that seem so hopeless and helpless. I want to show the world that there is life—surprising, wonderful, and unexpected life after diagnosis. – Demi Lovato
- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11
- Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it. —Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Sadness is but a wall between two gardens. – Khalil Gibran
- Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
- Remember that you are a wonderful creation and not a victim of your circumstances.
- Challenges are inevitable. How you handle those challenges can change your life.
- Imagine you’re a caterpillar on the cusp of becoming a beautiful butterfly.
- Depression and anxiety can be isolating experiences. However, Jesus is there, and He cares. You can turn to Him, and He will help you, no matter how you may be feeling.
- Remember, you are never alone. You may feel lonely, yet your God will listen when you’re ready to share what’s in your heart.
- Your strength is greater than you realize. There is no doubt you will overcome this.
- There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well. – Nicholas Sparks
There are moments when I wish I could roll back the clock and take all the sadness away, but I have the feeling that if I did, the joy would be gone as well. – Nicholas Sparks
- Hope will carry you far when you open your heart.
- Taking the first step toward a positive mental attitude will carry you a long way.
- Every rain cloud is chased away by sunshine. It just takes time.
- With each sunrise, determine that today will be better than the day before and hold onto that thought.
- It’s okay not to feel okay every day.
- Feel like giving up? Hold on a little longer and remember why staying the course is important to you.
Final Thoughts on Words of Encouragement to Comfort Someone with Depression
When suffering from depression, or looking for the words to say to encourage someone who is suffering from depression, please feel free to come back and reference this article. The words provided here are timeless and can be extremely effective.
If you are battling depression, you will get stronger as you realize that you are not alone and that there are people who care. Your situation is not hopeless.
If you have a friend or loved one suffering from depression, may this be the encouragement you need to get involved while being sensitive to the needs of your loved one. It is important not only what we say to someone suffering from depression, but also how we say it.
Lastly, seeking professional help to deal with and overcome depression never hurts. This can be found through counseling and prescription medication. We want all who suffer from depression to be happier humans.
And if you want more positive words of encouragement, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 129 Words of Encouragement for Someone with Anxiety
- 101 Words of Encouragement for Men to Help When They’re Struggling
- 67 Words of Encouragement for Mothers Who Might Be Struggling
