Depression

A lot of people tend to confuse sadness with depression.
To an untrained eye, they may seem very much alike.
But they're actually quite different.
Let me explain...
When you feel down because of a death, breakup, sadnes, or you know, typical reasons people usually feel sad...
                                        That's sadness
When you feel down when everything in your life is going well, or you have the greatest support system in the world and you still feel alone...
                                      That's depression

This may seem like a small difference, but look at this way;
It's a lot harder to empathize with someone who is depressed.
When someone is sad because of a loss, or a break up, or some heavy news, we can try to picture ourselves in that situation and feel for the person.
For people who struggle with depression, it can be hard for others to empathize when there isn't necessarily a rhyme or reason for the sadness.

So what can you do for a depressed friend?
Everyone is different, so there isn't one solid answer,
However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.
Someone who may be experiencing depression isn't thinking clearly, so you may not feel like you've done anything by trying,
But trust me, you have.

Never underestimate the sheer power of the words "I can't imagine what that must feel like".
Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Some people could be fighting that battle right under your nose.
It may not be your battle to fight, but you can always lend a hand to someone in need.
The strongest of warriors can't fight every battle alone.


~JS