I Need Help
How do you help someone with severe clinical depression when you're part of the problem it exists in the first place?
31-35, M
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Pinkstarburst · 51-55, F
Encourage them to seek medical help and counseling. Not everyone can handle fighting this illness with someone...even when you love them. Please know that just your being supportive and loving them is sometimes all you can do and that's okay. When we are in a dark place there is really nothing any of our loved ones can do "fix" us...just being a presence and, as you said, giving them a safe place and comfort, speaks volumes to a struggling soul.
Foreboding · 31-35, M
Thank you for this, Pinkstarburst. The way in which we discovered each other was them bravely reaching out when they really needed a friend. Over time it developed into them sharing a lot more and revealing many of the things that have led to this depression. I feel privileged that I've been allowed to be so close to somebody who is so private. As they've allowed me to be a part of their world, the crushing loneliness and despair has become so apparent and I really resonate with it. It's spurred me on to become someone who can try and be there, but I admit that over time it's dragged me right down to their level and I'm struggling to cope with my own feelings as well as trying to be supporting of theirs. I want this person to seek medical guidance and I'll be there as much as they need me for support. Hopefully at the end of the journey we can emerge a lot stronger with a new found love for our friendship and relationship, and maybe even some optimism!