If someone you know is depressed or experiences suicidal thoughts and comes to you for refuge keep in mind these Do’s and Don’ts…

DO

• DO take it seriously.
• DO listen and be non-judgmental.
• DO take action and get involved. (If needed)
• DO follow up.

Don’ts

• DON’T downplay their emotions.
• DON’T swear to secrecy.
• DON’T act shocked.
• DON’T dare a person to do it.
• DON’T SAY:

“JUST GET BETTER”

A person can not simply snap out of it. Saying, “Just Get Better” can seem like a form of positive affirmation, but it can come off as very insensitive to a person who is depressed. Depression is debilitating, often times people are truly trying to get out of it, but they just can’t.

Empathy vs Sympathy

Understanding the differences between empathy and sympathy can help avoid offending or making the person who is suffering from depression feel worse than they already are.