by Susie Brown

Created on: December 08, 2008

Remember I'm always near.

A person, who struggles with depression, struggles to find a reason to go on. Each day is a different day, with a different variation of the disease. The best gift you can give a depressed person is yourself. Perhaps you purchase a few nice cards to send maybe a couple of times a week, to remind the person you are thinking of them. A phone call from you can be more important than you think.

The depressed person feels isolated; one cannot understand the feeling of the depressed, unless they have been there themselves. You feel so helpless, hopeless, and so very sad. To a depressed person it would be such a luxury to have someone special, at times; who would be patient, kind, thoughtful, and willing just to be there.

A good book could be a good gift; one that the depressed person would want to pick up and could find the patience to start. (Things take on a different meaning to one who is depressed, "why would I feel like picking anything up to read?") One such book, for example would be Journeys with the Black Dog. (Author Tessa Wigney) It contains inspirational stories about the experiences others have had. It reaffirms that other people have been there, what did they do that helped to go on, you aren't alone, and you will get through this dark time.

They don't wish to learn the clinical reasons why they are depressed or any dry reading that doesn't act to make them, FEEL. You mentally make a list of the pros and cons of your life, and most surely the cons will outweigh the pros. Perhaps having a uplifting book will help by creating positive thoughts that when the feeling of extreme sadness' strikes, it will be something the person remembers, a certain part of the book they read will help. Small steps forward are huge to the depressed person.

The trouble with being depressed is that you never know when you are going to travel down that painful' path. Giving the depressed person items, that seems comforting, will not help if the person lives alone, and has no one to give them that back rub with the scented oils.

A cheerful basket or special box you have made with an assortment of positive goodies, bubble bath, luxurious chocolates, a CD with the with uplifting songs, something you know the person is interested in, a craft or needle point, with a special theme, a coupon book of services they can redeem, that you will do (pick up dry cleaning, I would love it if you bring some chocolate chip ice cream (and stay to share it with them), a visit from you, for no reason, etc).

The most important gift to the depressed person, is knowing they are not alone; there are people who will be there for them. If you are a true and loving friend, you will give that gift throughout the year, so when a special event comes around, whatever you choose will be the gift of love.

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