I'm sorry to hear that your girlfriend is feeling this way. It's important to approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy. Here are some steps and things you can consider saying to her:
Listen and Validate: Start by actively listening to her feelings and concerns. Let her know that you are there for her and that her emotions are valid. Avoid dismissing her feelings or trying to immediately fix the situation.
Ask about Her Feelings: Encourage her to open up about why thinking of you makes her feel this way. There might be underlying issues or stressors that need to be addressed.
Show Empathy: Express your understanding of her emotions and let her know that you care about her well-being.
Avoid Taking It Personally: It's natural to feel hurt by her statement, but try not to take it as a personal attack. Remember that depression and emotions can be complex, and her feelings might not be directly related to you.
Suggest Professional Help: Encourage her to seek professional support if she's comfortable with the idea. A licensed therapist or counselor can help her explore her feelings and provide appropriate guidance.
Give Her Space: If she needs some time and space to process her emotions, respect her boundaries while letting her know you'll be there when she's ready to talk.
Focus on Positive Memories: If she's open to it, reminisce about positive experiences you've shared together. It might help to remind her of the good times and the reasons why you care about each other.
Avoid Pressure: Avoid pressuring her to feel differently or make quick changes. Healing and understanding emotions take time.
Offer Support: Let her know you're willing to support her in any way she needs, whether that's being a listening ear, accompanying her to therapy, or making any necessary adjustments to your relationship.
Encourage Self-Care: Suggest self-care activities that might help her cope with her emotions. This could include exercise, spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or practicing mindfulness techniques.
Remember, it's essential to approach this situation with patience and understanding. Depression can be a challenging experience, and professional help is often beneficial for those going through it. Encourage her to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional to work through her feelings in a healthy and constructive way.