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When I was less wise, I remember suggesting exercise to someone suffering from depression. Didn't go so well. You reach an unfortunate point when depressed th

When I was less wise, I remember suggesting exercise to someone suffering from depression. Didn't go so well. You reach an unfortunate point when depressed that makes it difficult to listen to actually useful advice. It's an unfortunate state of mind to say the least.

HKH2 3y ago
You wouldn't dare call it pride, would you?
- denlekke 3y ago
  when i've been in that position, it was hopelessness not pride that made it hard to act on good advice
harry8 3y ago
Someone tells you about something that absolutely commands their total attention. It's of very little consequence to you. You suggest they try something /obvious/. It's reasonable to assume they might have considered it. How is that going to be perceived positively as a suggestion? Do you think it possible? For someone with major depression, maybe it's like suffering from major arterial bleeding and we suggest an band-aid because it "can help stop bleeding"
- bratbag 3y ago
  My direct experience with depression was that escaping it required a combination of the right events at the right time to create an upward cycle. For me it was fixing a shower by myself that started that upward cycle. For someone else it could be a single exercise session that leads to it. It's always worth a try to encourage someone to take that first step.
  - laeri 3y ago
    This is a great comment as it reflects the situation quite well.
  - harry8 3y ago
    >It's always worth a try to encourage someone to take that first step. Sure, absolutely. While keeping in mind it may not even be possible today. If it is the obvious way may be counter-productive. And the road to hell being paved the way it is, accidentally kicking the crap out of someone who is well and truly down is probably worth at least trying to avoid. I am very sorry that you went through that. Your experience may not translate universally to those afflicted with the wide variety of ailments that are all referred to as depression.
laeri 3y ago
The problem with advice is that it comes from someone in a different position. The depressed person might not be able to actually perform the suggestion due to lack of energy or other factors.
Eumenes 3y ago
Encouraging someone who needs exercise to exercise is almost always met with a dismissive attitude from my experience. They view it as thinly veiled insult. Might as well call them fat or lazy or dumb. People can be incredibly sensitive.

HKH2 3y ago

You wouldn't dare call it pride, would you?

denlekke 3y ago
when i've been in that position, it was hopelessness not pride that made it hard to act on good advice

harry8 3y ago

Someone tells you about something that absolutely commands their total attention. It's of very little consequence to you. You suggest they try something /obvious/. It's reasonable to assume they might have considered it. How is that going to be perceived positively as a suggestion? Do you think it possible? For someone with major depression, maybe it's like suffering from major arterial bleeding and we suggest an band-aid because it "can help stop bleeding"

bratbag 3y ago
My direct experience with depression was that escaping it required a combination of the right events at the right time to create an upward cycle. For me it was fixing a shower by myself that started that upward cycle. For someone else it could be a single exercise session that leads to it. It's always worth a try to encourage someone to take that first step.
- laeri 3y ago
  This is a great comment as it reflects the situation quite well.
- harry8 3y ago
  >It's always worth a try to encourage someone to take that first step. Sure, absolutely. While keeping in mind it may not even be possible today. If it is the obvious way may be counter-productive. And the road to hell being paved the way it is, accidentally kicking the crap out of someone who is well and truly down is probably worth at least trying to avoid. I am very sorry that you went through that. Your experience may not translate universally to those afflicted with the wide variety of ailments that are all referred to as depression.

laeri 3y ago

The problem with advice is that it comes from someone in a different position. The depressed person might not be able to actually perform the suggestion due to lack of energy or other factors.

Eumenes 3y ago

Encouraging someone who needs exercise to exercise is almost always met with a dismissive attitude from my experience. They view it as thinly veiled insult. Might as well call them fat or lazy or dumb. People can be incredibly sensitive.