• Minimizing their struggle: “You’re just being dramatic” or “Everyone gets sad sometimes.”
• Blaming them for their mental health: “Your depression is making everything worse; it’s your fault.”
• Denying reality: “You’re imagining being depressed; nothing is wrong with you.”
• Mocking or shaming: Laughing at or belittling their feelings.

Even if it seems subtle, this reinforces shame, guilt, and self-doubt, which are already heightened in depression.

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The Consequences

• Increased hopelessness or helplessness
• Greater social withdrawal and isolation
• Heightened anxiety and confusion
• Difficulty seeking help or trusting others
• In severe cases, self-harm or suicidal ideation
• Depression is a medical and psychological condition, not a personal flaw. Gaslighting someone for having it is intentionally harming a vulnerable person.