What do you do when someone you care about is drowning in sorrow? You can't just leave that person flailing around, but you don't want to go down with them. You can't tread water with them the whole time because eventually, you'll both get tired. They may not want to go with you to a safer place. They may refuse to take the lifesaver.There comes a point when it's beyond your capabilities, and you need to call the lifeguard and get the rescue equipment, and the whole boat full of the rescue team.
Depression can really make life seem so difficult, where everything is bleak and not worth fighting for. As a person who experienced clinical depression, taken medication, and hospitalized a few times, it's definitely not something to be taken lightly. I've thankfully recovered, but it hurts when there are people out there, especially those who I care about, who have fallen into that hole.
There have been times when I was near death by my own hand. It's hard to believe I put myself in those situations but it's really scary to think I could have thrown everything away. Dealing with the guilt afterwards was another thing, but eventually I moved on by letting go and moving forward. Other times, I was near death by accidents, and afterwards I fell into depression, too, because I thought to myself, why can't I get a break?
Even if you're in the darkness, if all you see is the dark and terrible things, that's all you'll see. I could have given up numerous times, but I desperately fought my way to light and love. I understand now there is balance of good and evil in this world, and lots and lots of gray. But the brightness and beauty pops out even more in contrast with the dullness and ugliness. I'm grateful I got the help that I needed and will continue to better myself.
I found a website that has links on how to help a depressed person, It offers tips on what to say and what not to say, as well as when to call for help. This is not to be taken lightly and I do hope if you see someone who is too helpless to ask for it, that you will step up and reach for that person, throw a safety ring, get in a boat, or go to the person (and with extra assistance if needed). It's not your full responsibility to help a depressed person because ultimately, they will have to make the decision to save themselves. But being there to help if you can will make a difference.
