I’m a friend of Jen’s who has suffered from clinic depression for many years. I know you mean well, but if you are considering practicing psychology, you should know that advice to “think positive” when you are physically incapable of doing so due to a chemical imbalance can be extremely frustrating. It can actually make the depressed person feel even more worthless and incapable and distressed that they are unable to live up to the other person’s expectation that they maintain a positive attitude.
Different people process experiences in different ways, whether they are grieving, coping with challenges or celebrating. I find it more positive in the long run to support them in whatever works for them than to force my own way of handling the situation on them. If thinking positive works for you, that is wonderful. It sometimes works for me, as well. But there isn’t one true way to cope with life and the hardballs it sometimes tosses us.
Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY A DAY EARLY!!!!
I’m a friend of Jen’s who has suffered from clinic depression for many years. I know you mean well, but if you are considering practicing psychology, you should know that advice to “think positive” when you are physically incapable of doing so due to a chemical imbalance can be extremely frustrating. It can actually make the depressed person feel even more worthless and incapable and distressed that they are unable to live up to the other person’s expectation that they maintain a positive attitude.
Different people process experiences in different ways, whether they are grieving, coping with challenges or celebrating. I find it more positive in the long run to support them in whatever works for them than to force my own way of handling the situation on them. If thinking positive works for you, that is wonderful. It sometimes works for me, as well. But there isn’t one true way to cope with life and the hardballs it sometimes tosses us.