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The Way That This Guy Handles His Girlfriend’s Crippling Depression Is Just Awesome
Depression is tough for everyone involved. The person suffering themselves has a daily struggle to function, some days not able to get going at all. As well as this, the people close them also feel the effects of depression. It hurts to see a loved one so unhappy, and it can be difficult to empathize and understand a person that cannot respond to your well-meaning attempts to help.
Often it is a case of less-is-more. Reddit user bovadeez shared a creative and thoughtful example of what a significant other can do to assist their loved one when times are tough.
Using nothing more than a jar, some popsicle sticks, colored markers and a bit of paper, he created a pressure-free affirmation jar that allows his girlfriend to take a color-coded stick at a time of her choosing. Bovadeez explained the idea thus:
“Each “category” is color coded so for example orange are inspirational quotes from poets, political figures, philosophers, and humanitarians across time. Yellow reminders are positive words to help you through the day things like “you’re beautiful” and “it’s ok to ask for help” the purple ones are tips to help her relax things like “take a break” while she’s working on her master’s or “listen to your favorite song”. I put a fine tipped sharpie in there with the blank ones so she record moments when she’s the happiest and then she can pull one of those later when she needs it.”
“This will hopefully help to regain control in some aspects and push her to take breaks and become more focused on herself.”
This simple gesture, letting his girlfriend that he cares and is always there for her at a time of her choosing, is a powerful aid for somebody with depression. Many commenters agreed that this approach would be much appreciated, and is a good example of the kind of support that is needed.
Scroll down below to check out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!
RELATED:
Reddit user bovadeez has a girlfriend that struggles with depression, and he wanted to help somehow
Image credits: Juliana Dacoregio (not the actual photo)
So he came up with a simple, yet brilliant idea that involved a bunch of popsicle sticks
Image credits: optimarc
Which he color-coded with a marker pen
Image credits: kiraziku2u
And placed in a jar so his girlfriend could pick one at a time of her choosing
Each color is a category
With quotes, positive words, tips for relaxation and blank sticks so she can record happy moments
People agreed that this is a perfect example of the kind of support a person with depression can appreciate
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What do you think ?
Anonymous Hobiest 7 years ago
While this sounds like a terrific idea, only the sufferer would be able to say if it works or not. I can say that this would not work for me. But we m glad she has somebody who cares.
Zori the degu 7 years ago
It's good not just for people dealing with depression. Anyone can benefit from this original, meaningful and cute idea.
Alia G. 7 years ago
This is the perfect way to help someone with depression. It’s not forcing them to accept positive messages or suggestions, but it’s there for them to take from when they wish. It would feel like something you could fall back on if you needed it. I reallly wish someone would make one for me!
7 years ago
I would make one for everyone who needed it...just to help people like me
Load More Replies...
jamelooot 7 years ago
This is actually so beautiful. I was once in a relationship and it was hard battling anxiety and depression when you're in love. It's been years already and we've already separated. But the voice still hunts me up to this day when he shouted the words "I just can't handle you when you get like this". I know it's not much but for someone with this condition, it'll always hunt you and give you the idea that no one will ever be able to handle you and stay with you just because youre "broken". But thanks to this post. It makes me want to believe someone out there will be patient enough to help me get through this. :)
Mark Fuller 7 years ago
My husband and I have a scale 1-10 i.e. feeling well to actively suicidal. I can simply say/text the number and he knows where I'm at, without having to probe or me being forced to talk about it when I'd prefer not to. Simple, but effective.
Full Name 7 years ago
Whatever works, man. That's cool you guys found something that helps cut to the chase.
Load More Replies...
Kathleen Ramirez 7 years ago
First it looks a little terrific, but only its actually about love and care. You just invented something a very personal way to deal with depression. I'm sure that it can help a lot of people. My best wisher to both of you :))
Kathleen Ramirez 7 years ago
This is an excellent way you just invented to deal with depression, I hope she will be recover soon, my best wishes to her. May God bless both of you :)
Anonymous Hobiest 7 years ago
While this sounds like a terrific idea, only the sufferer would be able to say if it works or not. I can say that this would not work for me. But we m glad she has somebody who cares.
Zori the degu 7 years ago
It's good not just for people dealing with depression. Anyone can benefit from this original, meaningful and cute idea.
Alia G. 7 years ago
This is the perfect way to help someone with depression. It’s not forcing them to accept positive messages or suggestions, but it’s there for them to take from when they wish. It would feel like something you could fall back on if you needed it. I reallly wish someone would make one for me!
7 years ago
I would make one for everyone who needed it...just to help people like me
Load More Replies... jamelooot 7 years ago
This is actually so beautiful. I was once in a relationship and it was hard battling anxiety and depression when you're in love. It's been years already and we've already separated. But the voice still hunts me up to this day when he shouted the words "I just can't handle you when you get like this". I know it's not much but for someone with this condition, it'll always hunt you and give you the idea that no one will ever be able to handle you and stay with you just because youre "broken". But thanks to this post. It makes me want to believe someone out there will be patient enough to help me get through this. :)
Mark Fuller 7 years ago
My husband and I have a scale 1-10 i.e. feeling well to actively suicidal. I can simply say/text the number and he knows where I'm at, without having to probe or me being forced to talk about it when I'd prefer not to. Simple, but effective.
Full Name 7 years ago
Whatever works, man. That's cool you guys found something that helps cut to the chase.
Load More Replies... Kathleen Ramirez 7 years ago
First it looks a little terrific, but only its actually about love and care. You just invented something a very personal way to deal with depression. I'm sure that it can help a lot of people. My best wisher to both of you :))
Kathleen Ramirez 7 years ago
This is an excellent way you just invented to deal with depression, I hope she will be recover soon, my best wishes to her. May God bless both of you :)
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