A great Blog Post from "Dr. Rob"

Read it all here: Dealing with Hardship

My job involves being around people who are struggling.  Many people are dealing with personal illness, while others with loss.  Whatever the case, it is a very common occurrence to sit alongside of someone who is in significant hardship.

Here is my advice to them, and to you if you are dealing with difficulty:

1. You can cry in front of me.  If there is anyone you can cry in front of, it is your doctor...
   
2. Most of the people around you don’t know what to do...  Be patient with them.  The people closest to you are often the most awkward.
   
3. It’s OK to lie.  When people see you socially and say, “How are you doing?” they don’t really want to know; they are just being polite...
   
4. People will say really stupid things to you... Just tell yourself that they are idiots, and ignore what they say.
   
5. Depression is irrational...  The nature of depression is to be out of control of your emotions, so don’t feel like you are crazy when this happens.
   
6. Being happy does not mean you are not sad...  Good things don’t negate the bad.  There cannot be silver linings without dark clouds.
   
7. Try not to isolate yourself...
   
8. There are two kinds of depression...
   
9. It is normal for depressed people to wish they are dead...
   
10. Time helps.  Life is full of hard things to lots of people...
    
11. Don’t protect your loved ones...
    
12. If you need me, please bug me.

Thanks for these, Dr. Rob!  Be sure to read the whole post at http://distractible.org/2008/10/30/dealing-with-hardship/