Stop telling depressed people that they need to eat a balanced diet or go vegan, get more exercise, do yoga, take herbs, be out in nature, or "stop being so negative." If it was that easy, people wouldn't get depression. No one is *trying* to feel that way all the time.

Some people get depression after a major life event or setback, but it goes away and they're fine. Some people struggle with it for years. Some have it so badly that they need regular treatment to cope. Sometimes "natural" methods or self-care works, sometimes they don't.

Telling people that it's a choice to be happy, that depression isn't real and they must enjoy being miserable or they wouldn't be like this...well, the only response to that is a good, swift dopeslap. If you can muster the energy, that is, being depressed.

I've been lucky in that the people in my life mostly get it, or have also struggled with depression and anxiety, the moldy frosting on the shit cake, but as for "helpful" strangers...I just haven't got the time or patience to educate them. I'd rather just avoid them.

(This thread brought to you by the fact that today has been harder than usual for me.)