8 things you should never say to a person with depression

Depression can be a tough illness to understand, and people who haven't experienced it - without meaning to - might confuse clinical depression with feeling sad or 'blue'.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately one fifth of work days lost in Britain is due to a mix of depression and anxiety, and 1 in 6 adults will suffer from a common mental disorder in any given week.

That could be a family member, friend or colleague, so when it comes to approaching someone suffering from depression, it's important to make sure what you say doesn't make the situation worse.

Reddit users have been taking to the forum to reveal what they think are the worst things you can say to those suffering from depression.

Here are 8 things you should avoid saying according to Reddit users:

1. People have it worse than you do

Rishloos: "It basically perpetrates the notion that the individual 'shouldn't' be upset or depressed, which in turn makes them feel like they're even more broken or dysfunctional because they're 'overreacting'. They're already in a hole, you're just pushing them further down."

2. Depressed? You don't have a reason to be depressed!

Aagg6: "People simply don't understand what depression is, and what impact it can have on a person's life. This is something that should be taught in schools, including how to avoid it."

3. Just think happy thoughts and the sad ones will go away

Seriantri: "Do you honestly think I would be depressed if getting rid of it was as simple as thinking of happy things? I know they have good intentions, and I appreciate that they are trying to help, but saying this is exceptionally unhelpful."

4. It'll get better!

Truthmuffin: "My mom always said it will be okay in the end; if its not over, its not the end. Well now the end is probably going to be the sweet embrace of death."

5. Be thankful God woke you up for another day!

Kittykushcast: "Yeah, another day of pure sh*t. Depression has made me a deeply bitter and hateful individual."

6. A kid in Africa would love to trade places with you

CooperArt: "It's permanently damaged my relationship with my parents, and one of the few things that can still make me cry, but we'll talk sometimes about my health life. I mostly keep it from them, though."

7. You are straight and white. Why don't you realise how privileged you are?

Your-imaginaryfriend: "This is the stupidest thing I have heard anyone ever saying to someone with depression."

8. You need to fix yourself on your own

Egodelania: "That is just so toxic."