[mistermann]

You sound like someone personally familiar with depression?

If so, may I ask a question?

I imagine it is true that people who are depressed may have a mental blockade to self-diagnose and independently coming to the conclusion that they may be suffering from depression. But is it also true that people who are depressed may also (always, sometimes) be resistant to the suggestion from others that they may be suffering from depression? ie: Is it common that depression may be accompanied by a self-defense mechanism whereby the afflicted may be highly resistant to the suggestion or any discussion of the topic?

Secondarily....if you are worried about someone, what would be a good approach? Talk to them on one of their "up" days, hoping that they may be thinking more clearly than usual?

[sid6376]

>> But is it also true that people who are depressed may also (always, sometimes) be resistant to the suggestion from others that they may be suffering from depression?

I had a girlfriend once, who suffered from bipolar disorder. The problem is the feelings that you have while having a depressive episode are real problems to you, in the sense that they affect you very deeply at that point. When someone suggests to that person that maybe you are just depressed, it often seems to them that you are trying to ignoring the issue and instead trying to shift the blame on them. This infuriates them further and they either lash out against you or shut up. After screwing up a couple of times,every time I realized she was possibly having an episode I tried to put it very gently to her and only after talking about whatever is bothering her. I will also suggest going through this link to understand how people having a depressive episode feel(Even though the article is about lupus). http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christ...

[nl]

Many depressed people realize they are depressed, and lack the will or energy to do anything about it.

Some clinical trials have shown St. John's Wort is effective for relieving mild depression - and you don't need a prescription to get it.

Get some, then literally beg the person to take some while you have some too.

[noonespecial]

Depression makes people, ok made me entirely too passive to hear anything. Do rocks have mental blocks against seeing that they are rocks? It took an actual physical intervention involving my parents, friends and one of my professors to reach me. I wish there was something easier to tell you.

[vacri]

But is it also true that people who are depressed may also (always, sometimes) be resistant to the suggestion from others that they may be suffering from depression?

Independently of the effects of a disorder, most people don't easily accept any kind of criticism exposing a weakness.