News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on What to Do When a Loved One Is Severely Depressed. Parent comment

Re:What to Do When a Loved One Is Severely Depressed by serpix on Friday June 08, 2018 @04:24PM (#17269380)
Four years ago I was at this point. I talked with a number of psychologists and therapists about this. One of them said: "Have you wondered if your anxiety is really because of your relationship". And so began the steps to disengage and end the relationship.

I don't regret it now. I could not and still cannot keep my empathy separate from the suffering of others. The alternative would have been to harden my emotions and become like a rock. My opinion is that depression does transfer and it is contagious. Just as laughter and joy is contagious. I choose my company wisely now and cannot bear to be around negativity anymore, it just catches and makes me numb to everything.

I choose being sad and ecstatic even while they alternate to extreme highs and lows. I refuse to heal anyone anymore.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:What to Do When a Loved One Is Severely Depressed by phkahler on Friday June 08, 2018 @09:57PM (#17271091)
Whatever anyone says about this, don't feel bad about it. We are not all the same - some can deal with it and some can not. Therapists actually have a high burn-out rate because listening to other peoples issues can get to them. It's great that you've established this boundary for yourself.
[ Parent | on HN ]