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Originally Posted by Isis Kali  As someone who has battled depression for a good chunk of her life, and has helped others through it, one of the worst things you can say to a clinically depressive person is that it's all their fault. |
As someone who has also battled depression for a good chunk of my life, I have to say that while your statement may be true
prima facie it still misses the point. The chemical imbalance that causes depression is certainly not the fault of the depressed person. However, it doesn't change the dynamic that you get the life that you create for yourself. It may be more difficult for us depression suffers to keep a positive mindset, or to practice a number of the other personal development techniques detailed on this site and others. That fact doesn't invalidate their effectiveness.
I've gone through some fairly significant personal trials over the past few years, including a divorce. I've had my own "depressive episodes" but I've eventually realized what everyone is trying to tell you--that your perception defines your reality. I've been amazed and the difference a simple change in perception has made in my own life--just putting a positive "spin" on my troubles has made them easier to deal with. I know that when you're in the midst of a depressive episode that's the last thing you want to hear, but its the truth. The longer and deeper you allow yourself to wallow in your own despair the worse things get.
At the very least you should consider yourself fortunate that you've got a number of people--most, if not all, whom have never met you--who care about what your going through. You can say that they're not understanding or not telling you the right thing, but just the fact that these people are there is something positive that you can build from.