in defence of Little

Depression doesn't only affect the sufferer. It's contagious. It's like a cancer in the way it spreads and overwhelms people. Those around the sufferer, those who care for them, can be just as deeply affected by it, in ways that can be equally difficult to understand.

Sometimes you will say some uncaring and hurtful things, or simply just stop caring for a moment, because you are so exhausted with trying to live with its affects on the sufferer, your family, and you. The black dog may even be starting to dig its claws into your own back...

To those fortunate enough to have never lived with it, Little's words might seem odd, out of order, and wrong. He probably comes across as an uncaring tosser. May be he is. Maybe we are. But I'm sure many of those who have cared for someone with depression will, at some time, have had similar thoughts and perhaps even have said similar things out loud (and then regretted it, no doubt). If they haven't, they are stronger people than me.

Posted By: CWC, Feb 6, 11:26:36