What is Depression

Clinical depression is a state of sadness or melancholia that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individual's social functioning and/or activities of daily living....

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Discussion:
ENABLING vs TOUGH LOVE
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Certainly there are times that someone may just need a simple hug and a few kind words, and this post is not in reference to those situations.

For many of us, DS has been a place that has provided positive ideas, support, and change. There are however, some people that seem to thrive upon pity. When we continue to enable these self destructive behaviors, we are only validating that persons' desire to hide from their real life issues.

I hope for the emotional health of these people, that they someday will be willing and able to confront their depression and anxiety, by making positive steps in real life.

We all know that positive change cannot truly be achieved, if we don't begin to take control of our issues. The most difficult steps, are often the most helpful in the long run. Drugs, therapy, counseling, the internet, etc.....should never be expected to be the sole solution, and certainly should not take the place of hard work, determination, and social interaction.

I hope that for for everyone's own emotional stability, that we might begin to realize that sometimes the only answers from those that are truly trying to offer support, will be honest, tough, non-enabling, non-validating, and simple answers.

I don't think that there are many of us that are here to disrespect others Unfortunately there are some that because they may not care for the advice or opinions offered, tend to manipulate or ignore those words of support......again, attempting to gain validation.

Thank you to all of those that are not afraid to be completely honest. It can certainly be frustrating to offer sincerity and "tough-love" advice, only to have it twisted, ignored, or thrown back in your face.

Just an opinion. I absolutely hope that everyone here finds success in treating their depression. I know that we all have needs, and this post is not meant to belittle or trivialize anyone's issues.
Posted on 07/04/09, 12:07 am
35 Replies | Most Recent Add Your Reply
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Reply #11 - 07/04/09  2:35am
" excellent post anthony! "
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Reply #12 - 07/04/09  3:59am
" Anthony.... I agree with you..... but many members in DS do have trust issues.... so a simple hug or kind words(that are really meant) is the building blocks to gain our trust.... as most of use are here to really get support and help for ourselves at the same time we offer support to others..... and yes tough love is important..... once you find out what is going on.... we offer our opinion.... whether it's something easy to say of something the is a bit harsh...... it's all part of the healing process..... we all know it's not an easy road..... but again as we all suffer from this in one form or an other..... We all know what the person that is seeking help, we know what they are feeling and going through.....

Happy 4th

!!SFS!! "
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Reply #13 - 07/04/09  4:07am
" GOOD POST :)! "
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Reply #14 - 07/04/09  4:17am
" Correct Hellervon, however I am not referring to trust related issues, and as I stated in the 1st line of this post...."there are times that someone may just need a simple hug, and a few kind words....."

This post was more in reference to those that habitually post about the same issues, refuse to take steps to improve their situation, and lash out at others because they can't or won't listen to sound advice.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to this post. I truly appreciate it, and much respect to you.

Happy Independence Day to you as well. "
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Reply #15 - 07/04/09  4:29am
" Anthony.... again I agree with you..... it is hard to help people that do not what to help themselves.... can get annoying.... but that is what they are going through.... they are trapped in their mind and the demons have control.... so they come here for help... and receive it, but than again the demons take over...... What they need is, like you said ; Tough Love' ...... when this happens we need to try to build up the straighten that is inside of them..... I wish that we can help everyone!!! that would be awesome.... but all we can do is being there for them and hope, really hope that they will listen.......

I myself, feel like I am alone, hurting, a SIer..... but something inside brings me here, and I can vent out, chat.... and try to go back what I call normal.....

{{HUGS}} brother.....

This was and is an excellent post :)

!!SFS!! "
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Reply #16 - 07/04/09  4:57am
" Excellent post Anthony - imo yours always are. xx "
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Reply #17 - 07/04/09  6:15am
" Love it Anthony.......its very hard to watch people repeatedly go over the same things, same issues but appear unable to move on.

By not trying to move on, they are only continuing to hurt themselves, which again, is hard to watch.

Obviously when we are in that black hole, it can be very hard to get back out.....but it is possible, so many here have achieved it and that is great to see.

Great post.....

xx "
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Reply #18 - 07/04/09  7:02am
" abfab---- I so agree... It is tough on some people to go through what we do on a daily basis.......We are here to show others that is can me done..... we can live.... and learn to live without our support.....


!!SFS!! "
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Reply #19 - 07/04/09  8:53am
" *** standing ovation***

Absoloutely excellent post Anthony. I couldn't agree more with this. I believe it takes a helluva lot of courage to speak the truth and tell people what they may need to hear which is sometimes quite different from what they may 'want' to hear. I also believe it takes a helluva lot of courage to sometimes hear the truth and accept it also. For myself inparticular I am always striving for more courage in this on both sides.

The surest road to getting nowhere real fast in dealing with any issues is the road called deinal...been there, done that, got the t-shirt.... it does not lead anywhere and I believe anything that enables another person's journey down the road of denial is of absoloutely no benefit to anyone, least of all the person who is hurting in the first place. "
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Reply #20 - 07/04/09  8:59am
" Excellent post :)
can yu enable tough love?
or can tough love be enabling?
I think in some cases it doesn't matter what yu say, as long as yu say something, even negative, and it will spur the person to keep responding. lol... sometimes I think they just want someone to argue with, are tired and in a bad mood. Or they love the tough love responses so they can use those to beat themselves over the head since they are not feeling good or are in a bad mood at the time. xx "

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