Things not to say to a self harmer..

Again as with the earlier post this is just random things that have popped into my head and I'm sure there'll be many more I come up with later

• Its only superficial
• Were you trying to kill yourself?
• Can I see?
• Its just for attention
• I knew it wasn't anything serious cos it wasn't very deep/it was in the wrong place

medication

After 6 years of stability with my depression I've had a wobble...and a fairly major one at that.  To quote my gp "it feels like you're at the bottom of a big hole where your fingers can't even reach the top, let alone have any chance of pulling yourself up".  Hubby is working away a lot at the moment and the boys are being challenging.  The dr doubled my medication a few weeks ago and then last week decided that wasn't making any difference so changed me.  I had nasty withdrawal from coming off the old stuff so now back on half doses of the old stuff plus half doses of the new stuff and generally feeling rubbish!  Physical side effects are horrendous, suicidal plans are even worse!

Depression

I am depressed.  I have depression.  What does this mean?  What should you say/do/think?

• Don't think you have to treat me differently.
• Talk to me
• Ask me questions
• Show that you care-a note, a text, anything will do
• Be there for me
• If you are serious about wanting to help be prepared for the long haul-its unlikely to get better overnight.
• Don't make promises you can't keep (especially promises of time)
• Just because I smile or laugh doesn't mean I'm "better"
• Don't assume that because I'm depressed I can't smile or laugh.  I do still have a sense of humour!
• Don't make it all about me.  Let me be a friend to you too.
• Be prepared for silences when we're together

I'll come back to this.  I thought of some when I was at the rugby this afternoon.