When I was younger, my mom had a saying she often repeated: “I carried you for nine months, so you can handle this one small thing for me.” The issue was, it was never just one small task. This phrase was a frequent reminder that I owed her, and no matter how much I did, I always felt indebted. For many, seemingly “innocuous” comments like this can leave lasting scars on mental health.
Our mental health community has shared their experiences with such comments, highlighting how they can affect feelings and self-worth long into adulthood. Here are 21 phrases you might want to think twice about before saying:
- “There are people worse off than you.”
“Hearing this makes me feel guilty for feeling sad. It’s okay to acknowledge your own pain.” — Sarah M.
- “You’re just like your mother/father.”
“When my dad said I was like my mother, it felt like a curse. His words still haunt me.” — Lila T.
- “You’re too young to feel that way.”
“Mental health issues don’t come with an age limit. Just because I’m young doesn’t mean my feelings aren’t valid.” — Jamie F.
- “You’re pretty for a ‘big’ girl.”
“I often heard, ‘You’re so pretty, but if only you lost weight.’ That message lingers.” — Mia W.
- “Why can’t you be more like your sibling?”
“Being constantly compared to my brother made me feel inadequate. I still struggle with self-worth.” — Alex R.
- “I’m sorry your feelings are hurt.”
“This implies I’m to blame for my hurt feelings, making me feel even more alone.” — Taylor J.
- “You need an attitude adjustment.”
“Hearing this sends me back to a time when it meant punishment. It triggers a lot of fear.” — Jordan H.
- “You just need to try harder.”
“This dismisses my struggles with ADHD and depression. It’s not about willpower.” — Casey L.
- “Don’t be selfish.”
“Being labeled as selfish has made me afraid to prioritize my own needs.” — Emma K.
- “Are you sure you want to pursue that career?”
“Doubt cast on my aspirations made me feel inadequate and unsure.” — Sophie D.
- “Everyone gets sad sometimes.”
“This minimizes my experience with depression, making it feel trivial.” — Olivia P.
- “OK.”
“This word feels dismissive and makes me wonder if I’ve done something wrong.” — Charlie N.
- “Life isn’t fair.”
“This was a common response to my concerns and left me feeling unheard.” — Sam B.
- “It’s all in your head.”
“Yes, but my feelings and symptoms are real, even if they’re not visible.” — Alex G.
- “I’m disappointed in you.”
“This comment made me feel like a failure rather than someone who could improve.” — Lisa C.
- “You were an accident.”
“Hearing this repeatedly has left me questioning my place in the world.” — Alex T.
- “You won’t get a job if you don’t improve your grades.”
“This added pressure and anxiety about my future, making me feel overwhelmed.” — Jamie S.
- “You embarrass me when you dress like that.”
“This comment made me self-conscious about my individuality and led to anxiety.” — Kelly V.
- “You have no idea what it’s like to struggle.”
“This statement undermined my feelings and made me hesitate to seek help.” — Rachel R.
- “We were fine before you all came along.”
“Hearing this from my dad made me feel like a burden.” — Morgan H.
- “You’re so shy.”
“This label has stuck with me and added to my anxiety.” — Riley J.
These phrases can have a profound effect on an individual’s mental well-being. It’s crucial to be mindful of the words we use, as they can either uplift or diminish someone’s spirit. Your feelings matter, and reaching out for support is always a valid choice. If you’re interested in learning more about fertility and family planning, check out our other posts, like this one on intracervical insemination. For comprehensive resources on pregnancy, visit Womens Health. For additional insights, refer to Modern Family Blog as an authority on this topic.
Summary:
This article highlights 21 seemingly harmless comments that can deeply impact a person’s mental health. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our words, as they can have lasting effects on self-worth and emotional well-being.