The first thing I always like to do when trying to understand or figure something out is to go to my friends for advice. And since I have been on dailykos for close to 5 years now (WOW!) I consider so many of you good friends (new and old), so I am seeking your advice now.
More below...
After being married to a mean-spirited angry man for almost 2 decades, I have finally met someone new....yes, angrybird has a new boyfriend! Well, not totally new, we have been seeing each other for a few months now.
Let me tell you, he's everything my ex wasn't. He's sweet, laid-back, affectionate, and caring.
However, he suffers from depression. I didn't know much about depression until I started searching for info on it on the internet. I know some of my fellow kossacks also suffer from this life-altering condition, so I'd like to know from you or anyone who loves someone with depression, how I can help him?
From what I have found on-line, it sounds like I should listen to him when he's feeling down and just be supportive. I also read that I should encourage him to take walks and go out and try to have some fun.
I have also seen a lot of sites listing things I shouldn't do, like telling him to "snap out of it" (I would never say that anyway), or being unnaturally cheerful and telling silly jokes (I wouldn't do that one either).
A girlfriend of mine also suffers from depression and what she said to me was that it can be difficult for people to love and understand people who have depression. She said (and I have experienced her doing this) depressed people often push their loved ones away, when what they really need is for their loved ones to be there for them.
Obviously my relationship with this man is still developing, but sometimes it's hard for me to distinguish between what actions are depression related and what ones are him just being a guy.
Please share any advice you might have because this man really means a lot to me.
Thanks.