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

In short, kindness, friendship, listening ears are all very meaningful
to people suffering with depression; be kind to them and slowly
guide them out from the darkness of depression.
"People surrounding them must be kind and understanding to
them. They don’t choose to be like that, e.g. lack of energy, slow in
thinking, not motivated, not productive. The worst thing to tell a
person with depression is, 'Why are you so lazy!?" Why do you have
to do that to me?! (ignoring the fact that 'laziness' is part and parcel
of the illness)," reminded Dr. Phang, championing the voice of his
patients.
A member of the audience shared her own experience, "Loving
ourselves doesn’t mean that we are selfish. We must love ourselves
first; then we are able to love others better. Ms. Mi Yen affirmed her
view by adding a comment by Ajahn Brahmavamso (Buddhist
meditation monk), "When we have worked too hard and are tired of
holding a bottle for so long, we should put it down, even for a few
minutes; it is always easier when we take it up again - be kind to
ourselves."
Another asked if a patient with depression is suited to practice
meditation. Dr. Phang said meditation is only suitable for those with
mild depression. For those with severe depression (e.g. suicidal,
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