Posted by Lauren on June 09, 1998 at 13:09:48:
I was reading the blurbs on depression. While its great if you can be sympathetic and empathetic to those fours in depression, you must also keep a respectful distance. You can point the way, but its up to them to take it. I had a very close four girlfriend for a few years. She was a wonderful person but her depressive, 'poor me' side took over. I tried to help for so long in many ways. Finally I backed off because she blamed me for being more together than her. I knew how she felt, having felt everything she was feeling before. Her envy ended up turning on me. If anyone has had envy turn on them, it is very ugly, believe me. (and so unnecessary. I was hardly a model person) Still I didn't give up and called her every few months. She blamed me viciously for all that was wrong in her life. It was obvious I became the object of her hatred - when I was just trying to be a friend. After many tries, I backed off. I miss her friendship to this day, but it did teach me something. A four who doesn't want or isn't able to be helped, simply won't be. I only hope some day she finds the strength to climb out of her dark tunnel.