It’s used as a quick, generic “something” to say when you’re at a loss for words. The phrase is also easy to blurt out and frequently overused, often said in haste without much thought put into the statement or what is really going on in the person. The speaker might think it’s a hip or cool way of saying “I know you feel you’re on the edge, holding on by your fingertips.” Or, “Don’t quit.” Since it’s usually said upon parting, he rarely takes it to the next step in offering help, leaving the person who has depression to falter on his own. For example, he might want to encourage the family member who has depression to draw on his inner strengths and perseverance, to hold on and not give up until treatments work and times get better. In a nutshell, hang in there means be patient and things will work out. The person saying it might have pretty good intentions. The idiom hang in there is an informal and friendly expression that people use as a way to encourage someone to not give up, to be persistent or stay calm, to not lose hope and keep on fighting even though it is a challenging situation. ![]() It sends shivers up my spine! There are several reasons for this, and they are complex. There are about three dozen negative comments that come to my mind when I think of “what not to say.” My least favorite comment to hear is, "Hang in there!” a mindless cliché that can have double meaning in depression.
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