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10 Years Battling Depression: How You Can Help
Words for Friends and Family of Those Struggling
I’ve offered my thoughts, from an inside perspective, to those struggling with depression. I want to spend some time now to offer words of advice for all the friends and family of those struggling with depression. A healthy support group can go a long way in helping healing, giving those suffering a place they feel they can heal in their own way, and it helps to understand some of what they’re going through.
“The best medicine”
When someone you care about is going through a hard time like this, it’s easy to fall into the temptation to believe everything is okay as soon as you see them laugh — especially if it’s a genuine, warm laugh. As a nurturer, I understand this temptation all too well — there is a feeling of relief when they laugh, because it feels like a reason to assume that all is well again.
Do not mistake the medicine for the cure.
Don’t get me wrong. Laughter is great. Laughter is important. For someone battling depression, laughter makes for one of the best life preservers — but that’s all it is. I am very fortunate to have been able to hold on to my sense of humour. It’s a floatation device. It keeps my head above water. It stops me from drowning.
