This comment was by Emily in reference to the post – Depression is Not a Choice—But How You Handle it is
I actually like this article and it gave me a different perspective. I don’t see this article as you victim blaming people with depression. Lots of people will get depression, yes, but it totally makes sense that it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’ll even admit to that. That’s why they call it being trapped in a depression. I don’t know if this article can speak for every person, like someone with severe bipolar disorder. For the most part, I think it is very true that you shouldn’t “give in” to your depression and let it take over your life. Easier said than done, but it’s true. It’s better to think as positively as you can than lay in bed all day and be sad.
I used to get mad at my boyfriend for telling me I needed to be more positive. I felt like he was acting like this was all a choice. It was and it wasn’t. But when I look at the big picture, I am sort of choosing to stay the way I am. If no one else can help you, you have to help yourself sometimes.
Depression is obviously a legitimate illness. I think the point of is article is that ultimately, it is (much of the time) self-perpetuated. That may be a hard pill to swallow, but who else is making you depressed in the end?
—
Would you like to help us shatter stereotypes about men? Receive stories from The Good Men Project, delivered to your inbox daily or weekly.
Photo: Getty Images