With a little Help from my friends...

Its that time of year again - looking back, looking forward, judging yourself, evaluating, all that shizz.

Its no real surprise that its a miserable time for loads of folk who struggle with various mental health issues.  To be surrounded by people either celebrating amazing achievements or strongly professing how they are going to set themselves right in the new year, just hammers home the difficulties they face.

Difficulties like realising what their achievements have been in the face of either negative voices form outside, or their own damning voices from within.

Or that feeling that everything that was wrong about this year will be even worse in the next.

Or the feeling that you know what needs to be done, but you can't see any way to get there.

The list could go on.  I know its a dreadfully destructive mindset.  So do the others with depressive issues.  Sadly there's the rub, folks.  It is a SET mind that keeps us down, and its as hard to tackle as things like alcoholism, drug addiction and the like.

Winter weather is a bugger too, and more so this year, with its endless gloomy rain stretching on day after day.  This year in particular, people with depression will be struggling with the New Year stuff more than ever.

BUT its is survivable.  It is beatable.  It is defeatable.  With help.

Help comes from the little things
- posting a catch up message to a friend that you have let slip a little
- recalling good times with others
- sharing the niggles and the crap that grinds us all down (yours and theirs - so they don't think its just them)
- giving out some positivity whether its asked for or not
- Just recognising that it is hard to "cheer up" sometimes is a huge thing.
- Give people time to come around, see the brighter side, take a step forward.
- dropping in for a brew - great for all concerned!
- Lend an ear, listen carefully, and try not to offer solutions unless they are asked for.
I'm sure  you can all think of other stuff too :)

So this new year, try not to "leave em to it" when someone is struggling to find the brightness in life.  Every little nudge of support will make a difference.   Definately nudge away - you'd be suprised what a difference it makes.  :)

Daisy xx