I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

• 7. Don’t be over-protective. They need to be trusted that they are
capable of doing things on their own with support. Sometimes we
also need to be firm with them for their own good, e.g. insisting that
they should stop abusing drugs (e.g. cannabis), compliance with
medications, clinic follow-ups and daily exercise.
• 8. Give them equal opportunity for employment when they are
well. Allow them to take leave just like any other illness when they
need to take time off for clinic follow-ups.
• 9. Forgive them if they are sometimes impatient, unreasonable
or even hostile. They are sick and in pain; may sometimes behave
like an injured scorpion that stings those who help them. The fact
that they reveal their unpleasant side to you may mean that they
actually trust you enough. Be grateful that you are the ‘chosen one’
–willing to endure with compassion.
• 10. When they are not ready to be helped, empathetically leave
them alone for the time being. I know that it’s helplessly painful
‘doing nothing.’ Bear in mind, most likely, they are aware that you
care, but they are not ready to seek help yet. They need more time
to accept the reality of depression; acceptance is a process, not an
on-off switch. Be kind to them by being patient and not rejecting
them.
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