Being There For Those Suffering From Depression

Lifehacker talks about helping friends who suffer from depression and the difference between actual depression and simply being sad. I'm posting this because, in my eyes, it is a very crucial thing to learn about for all Jedi who devote themselves to being there for others ("friend" or not) who suffer from it, even if you yourself suffer as well.

http://lifehacker.com/how-can-i-help-a-friend-who-seems-depressed-1440648372

One of the most meaningful things we can do here at TOTJO is to understand how things such as depression works, open ourselves to those both on TOTJO and off who experience it, and let them know that they can always come to one of us if they need to know that they are not alone, and that they are loved and cared about.

Do you/have you suffered from depression? What, to you, should others know about it?

Do you know others who suffer from it? What have you found to be the most comforting thing you have done for them?

I have suffered from depression in the past, and yes I know many that still do. The largest portion of my job as a certified peer support specialist (cpss) is to offer support to those with a serious mental illness.

The main thing I woujld like to make clear to all is that it is most unkind to minimize the problem and tell someone to suck it up or similar. Also that it is not a character flaw, ost often is genetic/neurochemical in nature. Offer kind support, be there for your friend, is probably the best thing to do.

I have been battling with depression for 5 years. It was a component in my weight gain, leading to the perpetuation of my depression.

It's a constant struggle. I seem to be self-perpetuating the depression, as well. I'm choosing, in some way, to prolong it. haha.

Not sure if I'm ready to move on from it.

If a person is open to lifting themself up, I get on the topic of self-care, personal responsibility and get a dialogue going on baby steps.

It varies from person to person. . the best help i can give is from my own center and inner guidance.

For anyone who is struggling physically or mentally, I have a way of looking beyond the form and seeing them whole, perfect, and complete . . like pure clear energy. . . I guess that is using the Force.

I too suffer from depression. For many people including myself it a struggle to find the right path off of it. But in the end many people have to find their own way through it. For myself i struggle with Anorexia and have for most of my life and when i am happy i usually have control and can force myself to eat... But when i go through depression like i have been for the past 4 to 5 months i lose weight a lot a feel sick looking at food. For me i have gone to people to get help but in the end nothing happens. For people like myself Depression is something you have to Control and it may never go away.

I'll try not to waffle on too much because this is an area of particular interest and passion for me, but I would urge anyone who is suffering from depression to remember that firstly, there is no single acknowledged cause of depression. The chemical imbalance theory is still only a hypothesis. And second that all medication is only designed to lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Drugs are not meant as a cure. Educate yourself and develop a combination of therapies that works for YOU.

Also, don't underestimate the mind/body connection. Your endocrine system plays a big part in your well being both mental and physical. There are a frightening amount of people who are diagnosed as having depression who actually have a wonky endocrine system (which is actually not that hard to get back in line) Understanding and managing it is an incredible effective way of keeping depression under control.

And try not to hang out with miserable sod drama queens who hate the world and everything in it. A bad attitude is contagious!

Depression for me is an attitude I have to lift myself out of, I find being pampered to and asked, are you allright, keeps me centered in the depressive attitude. Recognising I'm in the cycle of depression, and learning to counteract the steps that lead me down to my private darkness are for me the most important things to learn. I also don't agree with counsellors personally as they tend to put ideas in my head when I'm feeling vunerable. Taking people back instead of helping them move forward to me is dragging you deeper not lifting you up. For a lot of people they do work and I would tell people to seek help.
I think learning to like who you are as a person is for me the most important step and something I try to keep in mind no matter how low my mood is. Helping others is a mindfield as you first have to be aware that there problems are not yours and have to be confident that talking about depression won't drag you into your own. Not that I wouldn't help others but there are so many forms of depression and what helps one person won't nessisarily help another.
I try to keep the attitude that depression is a part of what I experience but foremost it is NOT who I am.