What is the worst thing you can say to someone who is upset?

Telling someone who is upset to "relax" or "calm down" often invalidates their feelings. This phrase can come across as dismissive, suggesting that the person’s emotions are unwarranted or exaggerated. When individuals are in an emotional state, they may struggle to control their feelings, and being told to simply calm down does not acknowledge the complexity of their situation. Instead, a more empathetic approach that recognizes and validates their emotions is typically more supportive and helpful.

In contrast, the other options, while they may also be perceived as simplistic or trivializing depending on context, do not carry the same level of dismissiveness. "Don’t worry about it" might downplay their concerns but can sometimes be a way to encourage a more optimistic perspective. "Take a deep breath" suggests a calming technique, though it might still feel inadequate to someone in distress. "It's not a big deal" attempts to minimize the situation but can be interpreted differently based on the individual’s perspective. The core issue with telling someone to "relax" or "calm down" lies in the assumption that they can readily control their emotional state, which overlooks the nuances of emotional experiences.