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by 0xcde4c3db 3738 days ago
> Is it really 'irresponsible' to suggest that there are ways to prevent/decrease depression besides going to the doctor?

If the methods you suggest don't actually help, it risks making the depression worse, because it matches the pattern of "Why try anything? Nothing works.".
1 comments
grahamburger 3738 days ago
> "Why try anything? Nothing works."

That seems like a better outcome all around than not knowing what to try. At least you know you have some options. For some people, it might help - at least enough to get them to the next step.

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0xcde4c3db 3738 days ago
What I'm saying is that when you convince a depressed person to spend their scarce reserves of effort on useless measures, you risk diminishing their ability to convince themselves that the "next step" is worth taking.
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grahamburger 3738 days ago
Right. If you know the person well, you can probably make a reasonably good decision if it will help or hurt. But on a random internet message board, we don't. Undoubtably there are some people listening who would react as you've described, and some who might actually find a benefit from getting outside. So, if you're listening and suffering, go see a professional. Just keep in mind that if that seems impossible, start by getting yourself out the front door.
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