Saturday, February 12, 2011

Would you walk on a broken leg

Now lets talk about that D word - DEPRESSION.  It is something that some people just can't acknowledge either in themselves or others.  Maybe they are embarrassed or feeling guilty.  For whatever reason, it is a disease.  It is not contagious although it can be heredity.  It is not terminal but it can, for some, be deadly.  Age, gender, race, sexual preference are not precursors.

Quite often I have been told "come on chin up", or "there are people worse off then you", or "why don't you just try harder".  If it was really that simple or easy you would chin up or try harder.  And as for thinking about people worse off then you; all that achieves is a perpetual cycle of guilt which most depression sufferers are overwhelmed with anyway.  I can't speak for all but when I am in a depressed state I have no self worth.  I just don't feel deserving of anything and certainly am in no position to help myself or motivate myself.

If you have a family member or friend who suffers depression it is much better to just be there for them.  Call them or drop in unannounced.  Let them know you care and are there for them.  Acknowledge their depression and also that it is how they feel at the moment but it will pass.

                                                image from www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

If you feel your family member or friend needs professional help.  Help them get it.  That may just be to encourage them to get counselling or perhaps see their GP.  After-all, you wouldn't let them walk around on a broken leg now would you.

Take care and be kind to yourself as well as others.
Laura

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