1thing people should know about depression - Depression Message Board

snick · 10-14-2002, 11:06 PM

lets say that I'm a person who knows nuthing about depression. what is one thing you would want me to know, and/or understand about what depression is, feels like, and/or what is the worst and best parts of having depression? what do you think is the most inporten thing for some one with or with out depression to know?

Ashlee · 10-15-2002, 12:32 AM

Hi, Snick.

Something I feel that a person who DOESN'T suffer from depression should know is that it's not the sufferers’ fault that he or she is depressed. It's not something that they can just 'snap out of'. They should also know that they need support during their struggle more than ever. Also that they should not FORCE the person to do things they honestly don't want to do - merely encourage it.

And for the depressed person themselves... I feel that they should be aware that the people they are close to are also affected by their illness, and that the depressed person is not the only one that has to learn to cope with it. They should never use their depression as an excuse as to why that can't do something... even though the depression may well affect their WILLINGNESS or MOTIVATION to do something.

Well, that's just my opinion. Others might disagree of course!

.

Take care!
Ashlee

Ashlee · 10-15-2002, 02:52 AM

Thanks, Chrys.

I was already beginning to worry about this post - whether I said something wrong!

Bubbly20 · 10-15-2002, 03:38 AM

Thats a really good post... and i agree with you ashlee.

Its hard to explain how bad depression can be sometimes so everyones imput will be helpful.

Id say that its not just a feeling of being sad or low...it can be the most intense crippling feeling of doom! The sufferer wants so much to feel better but the its like part of your brain has shut down and there is no energy to fight.

In depression a bad thought can spring from nowhere, and its like there is a dam in the river of good thoughts...as much as you try to be positive you just cant.

Tristessa · 10-15-2002, 09:45 AM

Never tell a depressed person to "cheer up". My ex boyfriend would tell me this, and it irritated me greatly. You also need to know that people with clinical depression should not be compared to other people...what I'm saying is when people will tell us, "it could always be worse." Even though there are probably people who do have it worse off, that doesn't mean that someone's depression is any less significant...we're allowed to feel as though the world is crashing down around us...it's our right. Also, it's good to not assume that just because someone is on meds, that the meds basically make them act the way we do...we still have feelings, whether they're happy, sad, perturbed...