Are you a Support System?

During this bout of depression, Ive learned the meaning of support system. Michelle and Rick have helped me through the hardest. My younger kids constantly give me strength they are the oxygen in my blood.
If you know someone with depression. The person is going to constantly be tired. Constantly! Don’t let them stay in bed all day that’s just a terrible cycle to be in. Give them something to look forward to, drag them out even if it’s being lazy and sitting around talking, or leaving the house, give them an errand or chore. Remind them that you depend on them. Someone with depression could have a lack of appetite. Make the person food anyway. The person may stand you up (yes it’s a pet peeve of mine) or cancel plans to sit at home and watch Netflix. Take them out anyways. One on one attention without interruptions can be just what they need. Treat them to something special it lets them know that you’re thinking of them and they are special. If you are being silly and they don’t laugh, crack the joke anyways. Laughter is the best medicine. They might cry at the drop of a hat, a hug and acting like it’s not a big deal orvthey aren’t being dramatic. It lets them know you validate their feelings and you’re listening. Depression is physically painful. They might still be happy or sad at the same time. That’s perfectly okay and really not crazy at all. They need constant reassurance, don’t act like it’s a chore for you. Tell them they are beautiful inside and out. They aren’t doubting you or questioning your love, they are doubting themselves. Reassure them you want them around no matter what and you aren’t going to leave, without them asking. Depression comes with anxiety. It comes with no sleep or too much sleep. It comes with not eating or eating their feelings. It comes with the illusion of standing in a room of hundreds and feeling lonely, invisible, and neglected. It doesn’t make sense to you but these are real feelings to them. Depression lies but those whom are depressed believe the lies. It’s impossible to understand so imagine how it feels even if you don’t understand. A constant internal exhausting battle. Even if you don’t know how to be a support system or how to reassure them. They chose you to be in their life despite the depression so try your best at how to give them what they need and deserve. A thoughtful small gesture can go a long way and grand gesture can be save a life. Be that support system. Be their strength. They will slowly lean on you and relieve them of the weight they carry. Love hard and give reassurance. Never give up on them. . Don’t forget if you aren’t willing to stand in the rain with a person then they won’t want you to be beside them in the sunshine.