“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.
Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.â€
– Stephen Fry
5 comments
bipolar is a *****
Hey thanks for this Sans! Good old Steve Fry…He’s done some Trojan work raising awareness about bipolar. Tho’ I have to confess I’m a little annoyed that he can cope without meds and hasn’t ever had to be incarcerated in a hospital. Oh, and Steve, while we’re at it, I forgave you the Twinings tea adverts but being ‘King’ of Twitter is a lamentable lapse of taste on your part mate. And whatever happened to your comedy? Even Hugh Laurie on ‘House’, your old comedy partner, is funnier than you these days…
You polymath you.
On this occasion I heartily agree with him though about NOT asking a depressed person ‘why’. This is guaranteed to make them hate themselves even more.
How true it is that it’s hard to be a friend to a depressed person. I know this from both perspectives. A noble act indeed and one requiring sensitivity, patience and tact in abundance. When I’m down I tend to try to ‘spare’ friends the burden of supporting me, and instead focus more on the various helping professioanls in my life.
‘Kindest, noblest and best’. This is worth me remembering next time my chronically depressed friend starts ‘dumping’ his woes on me…not all depressed people are considerate of others I’m afraid…
Thanks for sharing this Sans. And btw, thanks for your lovely email. I tried to reply but my email is not sending atm. Gonna try fix the problem today.
Love, Zoe x
@molly: I consider myself fortunate that I’m unipolar.
@Zoe: Stephen Fry is a lovable character, so I’m happy for him to sell tea or Tweet away!
Have either of you seen ‘The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive’? It’s a documentary that Fry made in 2006. He discusses his own experiences, along with the experiences of others. It’s a very good documentary, and it can be viewed for free (just Google it). Highly recommended.
‘The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive’ – great doco.
very very true