[depressionsucks]

I guess you have never had depression then. This is the kind of comment that only makes depressed people feel worse. It's like saying to a depressed person, come on just cheer up. Criticism or kicking someone when they are down with depression like you just did is unwarranted, mean and dangerous.

[drewmol]

I don't think that was costcopizza's intention. As someone who has struggled with severe depression for a long time, I can attest to his suggestion being helpful. It can be incredibly difficult to do, but obligating myself to various volunteer opportunities (usually by making the commitment during rather well feeling day/moment/episode) has helped immensely. For me it helps to take my mind off my own problems, and even if only temporary, it's usually helpful.

[depressionsucks]

My critique wasn't on the volunteering aspect, I agree that's helpful, it was on calling depressed people narcissistic.

[drewmol]

After seeing the reactions to his comment, I felt it would be helpful to emphasize both: the possible benifits of his suggestion, and that I don't think he intended to be critical of depressed people or kick them while they're down. By calling depression "a narcissistic condition", many people seemed to be viewing it that way.

Thanks for the reply.

[costcopizza]

I said depression is narcissistic, not those with depression. That's a damn big distinction.

In fact I am diagnosed with depression myself, have had suicidal ideation, and still relapse.

When I look back at my darkest times I think volunteering kept me alive. I don't know whats harmful about suggesting that. The big D saps the life out of you, working with others who have their struggles too gives a closed-off negative feedback looped mind just a hint of perspective.

Everyone's depression is different, which is why I ended my comment with the fact that some people's condition doesn't allow them the luxury to get out of bed.

[namlem]

I think it was a poor word choice, but it makes sense. I believe, when parent said depression is narcissistic, he meant that it causes you to ruminate on your own self worth constantly. Narcissism is typically associated with self aggrandizing, but ultimately what's going on is that the part of your brain that controls your self narrative is overactive. That can just as easily manifest as obsessive worry over your perceived failings and inadequacies.