Bipolar Family: 10 Things You SHOULD Say to a Depressed Loved One

Thursday, March 22, 2012

10 Things You SHOULD Say to a Depressed Loved One - Beyond Blue

Therese Borchard, one of my favorite bloggers, shared 10 Things You SHOULD Say to a Depressed Loved One - Beyond Blue.

In short, the 10 things are:
1. Can I relieve your stress in any way?
2. What do you think might help you feel better?
3. Is there something I can do for you?
4. Can I drive you somewhere?
5. Where are you getting your support?
6. You won’t always feel this way.
7. Can you think of anything contributing to your depression?
8. What time of day is hardest for you?
9. I’m here for you.
10. Nothing.

I have a number of friends who suffer from the challenges of depression, even bipolar. I feel for them. I know, at least for me, to what it is like to go through some of the struggles of dealing with emotions that are out of control. However, there are still a lot of times when I just don't know what to say.

Maybe Therese's suggestions will help to know what to say.

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About Me:

Like a lot of people with bipolar challenges (I really don't like the term disorder), my mood swings began to manifest in my late teen years.
I am now in my mid-40's, so I've had quite a history of facing the associated challenges.
Like so many things in life, dealing with severe mood swings is challenging. Recently, a friend described how he viewed facing severe challenges. He said, "Everything in life is a blessing. Just some of it comes in some pretty crappy wrapping paper."
So, I've had quite a bit of experience in dealing with gifts related to severe mood swings. This blog is a place where I will share my experiences. Hopefully, some of those who read it will find it helpful, either providing a glimpse into what it is like to face the challenges of a brain that works differently than average (whatever that may mean).