Thanks, From Your Friend With Depression | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Thanks, From Your Friend With Depression

Thank you for being the friend I need even when I don't think I deserve it.

14
Thanks, From Your Friend With Depression
Faith McCormick

Sometimes it's really hard to be friends with someone who has depression. I'm not an expert on depression, but I've been both the depressed person and the friend of, and I know neither role is easy. So here is a thank you to the people in my life who are there for me no matter what.

I want to start by clarifying that for me, and for many others when I say depression I'm talking about clinical depression. It isn't just being sad or feeling down for a few days. It's something constantly there, something that won't truly go away with therapy or medication. Depression isn't pretty by any means. When I'm at my worst, I'm self-loathing, unmotivated, melancholy, and downright mean. My usual laughable sass turns snarky and pointed. It is not fun to be friends with someone who seems to just be sitting there, waiting to get pissed off at you. And yet, even at my worst, I still have friends.

And my friends handle my depression so gracefully. You tell me I'm fine, and that being my friend isn't just a huge burden in your life. You remind me that when I'm not depressed I'm funny and fun to be around and that regardless of my mood, I'm still a caring and kind individual. Plus, you even let me get mad at you, knowing that it isn't you I'm mad at, it's just that I'm just mad at the way my brain is currently processing and handling things. Most importantly, though, you call me out. You don't let me use my depression as an excuse to be a shitty person. Instead, you recognize when I'm struggling and you treat me with compassion as I try and get through the rough times.

When a friend is struggling with depression, it's easy to feel useless. You want to help, but what can you do? When I'm at my worst I spend my time tearing down friend's suggestions, ignoring their ideas, and ruminating on every bad thing that is happening, has happened, and will happen. I'm not fun to be around and I know it. So I end up apologizing. I often apologize too much. I'm sorry for not responding to your texts, for not doing my fair share of housework, or for being too self-involved. I'm sorry that I can't be truly happy for you and all of your accomplishments because it takes all my energy to just get out of bed some mornings. I even apologize for apologizing so much.

So I want to thank you for telling me to stop apologizing. I want to thank you for responding to my late next texts questioning why I'm feeling the way I'm feeling and how I can't make it stop. I thank you for reminding me of the good things in life and continuing to show me that I'm deserving of love and compassion. Most importantly, I want to thank you for alleviating the guilt I feel when I need your help more than usual. You may not be able to see how much your friendship helps me and others suffering from depression, but I am grateful and thankful for it every day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187525
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13166
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456571
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25817
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments