Like title says, my boyfriend has been struggling for about a month with depressive symptoms. Nothing extreme, but things that are tell tale signs like losing interest in things he used to enjoy, sleeping too often, random bursts of sadness and crying, and loss of appetite. 

It’s been distressing to watch him struggle to say the least, and I’m not going to lie, I saw the symptoms way before he told me he thought he might have depression. I just think maybe I was scared to think we’d have to face this, or I’d have to I guess because of my precious struggle with this disease. I dealt with severe depression from 10-19 and seasonal depression from 20- now even although it’s been less bad the last year or two. I was never able to get medical help because my parents didn’t aid me as a child and then I couldn’t afford it as an adult. Now I’m sitting here listening to the person I love describe these symptoms and I’m scared. For him and me.  I told him he needs to try to go to therapy. He said he doesn’t know right now and he’s scared of being put on meds, which to be honest I don’t think will happen because his depression -while taken seriously- seems to be mild, and I told him it’s okay, he doesn’t have to make a decision right away and that I’m here if he needs to talk or I will give space if he doesn’t. 

I guess what I’m asking is, I genuinely don’t remember how I got out of the worst of my depression. It was kind of a eureka moment and then a slow and difficult change inside of me.  I remember little of what helped other than friends and spending time outdoors and of course some unhealthy habits I’m still fighting to get rid of today. So those of you who have improved or even those who are still struggling, what if anything helps you push back the demons for a bit, or makes you feel something even for a fleeting moment? 

PS: I know you’re tired of hearing it but you really are not alone. I feel your hurt and I’m thinking of all of you and hoping for the best for all of us who have struggled or are struggling with this disease.