I think I understand what you are saying. Sometimes I see others who are so low and I want to swoop in and say the "right thing" that will somehow make them feel better. I can get really anxious sometimes trying to find exactly the right, perfect thing to say.

However, I also know that when I'm feeling really low and people start trying to fix all my problems, it can get very tiresome. Sometimes it feels really fake to be told that "things will get better," especially when I've struggled with feeling low for so many years. People come and start giving me suggestions that I've already mulled over in my head and dismissed for one reason or another and I become frustrated because, to me, at that moment, it feels like they're not listening to what I'm saying. And I think empathy goes a long way, especially with depression, which can make you feel so incredibly, hopelessly isolated.

I think it goes both ways. I think it's fine to offer encouragement and support and suggestions and this can be really, really helpful sometimes. But I also think just being there for someone, and letting them know you thought about them, and a few words of kindness can be really meaningful. It doesn't seem like much, I know. I try to do this too and I worry that I'm not doing enough and not being helpful. But then I think of what I would want when I'm feeling down... and when I'm really down, I tend to see words of encouragement as "false hope" and even outright lies. Maybe other people do that too, I don't know.

I really don't think anything you do, though, will be resented or mocked. Even in my worst moments, I can tell if the person means well or not... and I think that's honestly the most important thing, anyway. Sometimes it's good to stay away from the typical depression support catchphrases and to really say something from the heart... I wish more therapists would do that, actually. Also, it's the internet, so things are bound to be misinterpreted, anyway.

Sorry for the rambling on and on and on....... I'm not even sure if I addressed your question very well. I really want to be more supportive too but I'm really not the best at it, either. It can always use improvement...