[81MC]

Depression can be an absolute bitch, made even harder due to incredibly variable causes, symptoms and manifestations.

I fee for anyone going through a diagnosis. It’s so hard to know what’s right, so don’t take anything as gospel.

FWIW, my ex was clinically depressed for years. She was on several drugs for a long, long time. I’m not so tight with her now, but she has been off them for a few years now after making lifestyle adjustments. She claims she feels much better and in hindsight the medication was brutal. In my experience with her, I don’t think the meds were a help.

I’m not suggesting she not take prescribed medication - just be cognizant that a MD and mental health are so vastly different. My family doctor has asked me to consider them, which for me is a hard no. I’m sure there are those who require chemical intervention, but I don’t believe that is a decision to take lightly.

Try to avoid blaming her behaviour on depression, and vice versa. Also don’t let depression become an excuse. In the same way we wouldn’t sit back and watch a dear friend with diabetes binge on sugar, or a recovering alcoholic drink, Depression is a complex health issue. Be understanding and compassionate, but not passive. If her medical professionals recommend daily exercise, or meditation, consider that a part of treatment.

Ps, insomnia is in my experience the harder thing to deal with. To the point where it’s even unclear if severe insomnia is the root cause of depressions, or a symptom of. It is, in my opinion, the most negative aspect of an unfortunately huge array of manifestations.