depression vs. self-pity, and a vicious anti-depression attitude

Posted by Derf on May 19, 1998 at 23:34:12:

In Reply to: Depression and Self-Pity posted by adavis on May 18, 1998 at 10:24:27:

I feel that many people have delegated too much responsibility in their lives. "Such and such or so and so is MAKING me depressed." That's where my football coach cliches come in. They would probably be more effective (and less beligerent-sounding) if I backed them up with a complete system of depression control, with added reminders that it's not expected to work for *everyone*. For me, people who enjoy the thrill of depression are similar to those who will adamantly cover their ears whenever the subject of "handling" depression comes up. This behavior is particularly grating when the people *still* whine about it. They have a split psyche, it seems - in the end, they're going to have to choose between wanting to get out of their black hole, and wanting to remain or enjoying its benefits. This is where consistent help comes in - if you slowly-but-surely convince the person that being happy is more rewarding, then they might be pushed a little into the light - or they might start to see it at least. I would
try to show positive feelings to them, and try to get them out of their rut for a while, even if only by distracting them. Granted, it takes a strong person to deal with a depressed person. To anyone who read my vicious anti-depression posts: if you were *especially* angered by it, then you're probably not one of the people who enjoy being depressed (or who enjoy its benefits enough to consciously or unconsciously seek it). That's good... -- I mean, a person who *liked* depression (or found it productive enough to seek it) probably wouldn't care whose responsibility it was declared to be. And they would probably consider it strange that someone would want to "kick" it.

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup