Member-only story
The Authentic Eclectic
“Do You See Me?”
Helping Yourself and Someone You Love Who is Depressed
“I’m depressed today.”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Well, there’s got to be something causing your depression right?”
“Maybe.”
Thank God for the caring people in our lives willing to ask tough questions when we’re struggling, but wow, do they sometimes fail to ask the right questions.
There is nothing more frustrating than being asked to explain something you’re having trouble understanding yourself.
Don’t you think if I knew the reason(s) why I was depressed, I’d no longer be feeling this way? Can’t you see I’ve been trying, and trying, and trying to do things differently hoping one of my changes might break the cycle?
Empathy should always precede questioning.
You have to let me know you see me before you pry at me, otherwise it feels like an interrogation. It makes me want to scream. And I will scream if you don’t please stop.
One of the most challenging parts of depression is seeing the potential problem, yet feeling hopeless about anything changing at all, even if you make what you or others deem the necessary…
