Loving the unlovable.
When someone has a broken leg you don't tell them to "walk it off".
When a man is hit in his junk, we laugh, but we don't tell them to "get over it" or "it doesn't hurt that bad" (okay so maybe we do but it's usually still funny. Not that they got hit there, but their reaction and usual high pitched squeals lol)
My point is: When someone is battling depression or other mental illnesses it's not okay or acceptable to tell them to "get over it" or "snap out of it".
It's kind of like expecting a fish to breath when it's not in water.
The best thing to do if you love someone battling depression is give them never ending love and compassion. They most likely don't feel lovable and quite possibly will push you away and tell you to go find someone who isn't so screwed up. (I know I've done it!) But don't give in. Don't hurt them back because they say something mean or have an attitude. They don't want to feel the way they do. They don't want to be hurting and broken. They don't want to be angry all the time.
They just are. And they can't stop it.
There is a big difference between being depressed about something and being clinically depressed. Everyone feels down and depressed sometimes. But those who are full on battling depression can't just get out of it. Not without help anyway.
Be patient.
Offer support.
Help them find help.
Much love to you all!
When a man is hit in his junk, we laugh, but we don't tell them to "get over it" or "it doesn't hurt that bad" (okay so maybe we do but it's usually still funny. Not that they got hit there, but their reaction and usual high pitched squeals lol)
My point is: When someone is battling depression or other mental illnesses it's not okay or acceptable to tell them to "get over it" or "snap out of it".
It's kind of like expecting a fish to breath when it's not in water.
The best thing to do if you love someone battling depression is give them never ending love and compassion. They most likely don't feel lovable and quite possibly will push you away and tell you to go find someone who isn't so screwed up. (I know I've done it!) But don't give in. Don't hurt them back because they say something mean or have an attitude. They don't want to feel the way they do. They don't want to be hurting and broken. They don't want to be angry all the time.
They just are. And they can't stop it.
There is a big difference between being depressed about something and being clinically depressed. Everyone feels down and depressed sometimes. But those who are full on battling depression can't just get out of it. Not without help anyway.
Offer support.
Help them find help.
Much love to you all!
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