[calumniate]

I've been through the ropes so to speak in terms of supporting a friend who has been at risk for some time now. It has been an interesting experience to say the least, and I've learned quite a bit about how best to help a person during challenging times, or someone with suspected and / or diagnosed clinical depression. Needless to say it was not what I expected at all, and realized I'd been going about things in ways that would not only drag me down, but ultimately not help the person either.

That said it's almost as if friends, family and colleagues of those in distress be advised to do their own research or seek advice on how to best help someone. It can be somewhat counterintuitive, and is not without its scary moments