I just posted a formal thank you to all of you and our dear Liz on my blog. I am still depressed, but I have hope it will get better because there are some great people in this world.

Thank you.

Susan S.

Susan- consider yourself hugged by a caring stranger. I can’t say anything but remind you that times get better. There is an ebb and flow to life that is hard to see when you’re depressed. I’d like you to focus on the intellectual truth that things can and probably will get better. It’s easy to miss when you’re not feeling well.

Be brave.

“But it’s life!!!! Stop whining!!!” — family member

Hmmm…I too am a family member and a very, very long time support person and caregiver and what I know from my experiences and that which has been shared with me is that for a number of seriously and severely depressed individuals this is a very painful and agonizing existence and not a “life”. From my perspective this situation more suitably requires understanding, compassion and often times a nonjudgmental ear of friendship which I believe Liz is trying to return in kind.

“My life would be so much less meaningful without Susan. She has supported me and encouraged me in dark times.” — Liz

I certainly do admire your personal strengths and survival abilities but at the same time I have known of individuals incapable of simply leaving their beds or having an ability to attend to personal hygiene or nourishment.

There are times one has to look beyond “self” at others with a kinder demeanor and compassion. There is always someone far worse off.

Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com