Small Fish in a Big Pond

smuppetprince:

Sick Sad World: Things You Shouldn’t Say To…

journeytoanewcreation:

People suffering from depression:

“Stop being so negative!”
“You choose to be sad”
“You don’t even have anything to be sad about”
“There are millions worse off than you, just get a grip!”

…

I am often told that second one in the “depression” section. It’s dumb. I don’t believe one CHOOSES to feel miserable. Sure, some people believe in that whole hippie “you can control your feelings, man” kind of stuff. I think one can suppress them or make them not as extreme when expressed out loud (or online), but to change from one feeling to another about something quickly and without a smooth transition? No. To control exactly what they feel? No. Plus, holding the feelings back can make things worse. Think the only reason I’m not totally insane (which, I know, debatable) is that I can express some of my rage and sadness online. It gets the feelings out in a way where people don’t feel the need to tell me the stuff listed above. Then I can attempt to go about my day normally. The idea that I choose to be sad actually is more depressing. Makes one feel like something is wrong with them for not being able to control their feelings along with all the other crap that is bringing them down.

There was a point somewhere… Ah, yes. People, stop saying this stuff. Mainly the second one. Don’t tell you not to be sad when a relative dies, do we? I mean, clearly if we CHOOSE to be sad, why can’t you choose your feelings? Don’t deny the feelings. Accept that people have them. If you can bear their emotional weight, recommend something to make them feel better, not spit out little things like this.

That was my rant that had no real string of logic. Excuse me, I have laundry I should be doing.

(via stealtharchaeologist)