Kathy,

I've studied this stuff too, and even secular therapists realize the
importance of the depressed person thinking of others and doing things for
others to get their minds off themselves.  It helps also to schedule a
specific time to start and stop thinking or taling about the depressing
situation.  That gives the person opportunity to talk about it without
obsessing on it or themselves.

JulieMelton
visit me at
www.heart-and-music.com
Keep smiling!


----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy Du Bois" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2005 12:38 PM
Subject: Re: when someone you love is depressed!


> Rhonda,
> I"m speaking from personal experience here, but there is also
> research to back up what I"m going to say, I guess.  The best cure
> for depression isn't necessarily to say anything, but to help the
> person find ways of getting their mind off themselves and into the
> helping mode for others.  If a person can feel useful, so that they
> see purpose for their existence, they really do begin to feel
> better.  Exercise can also help depression.  I'm assuming here that
> we are talking short term depression, or winter blues or post trauma
> blues, not long term depression which has a medical component to
> it.  Talking may help, but it can also help a depressed person remain
> self centered and hopeless.  then, there's the kind of serious stuff
> that Phil deals with on a regular basis.  That is something else all
> together again.
> Kathy
>
> At 01:41 PM 12/31/2005, you wrote:
> >What is a good response when someone we love is depressed?  I realize we
> >can't say "Just snap out of it, do something, get over it" but what can
> >we
> >do!!!
> >Rhonda
>