Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

The Way That This Guy Handles His Girlfriend’s Crippling Depression Is Just Awesome
User submission
6.3K
111.7K

The Way That This Guy Handles His Girlfriend’s Crippling Depression Is Just Awesome

ADVERTISEMENT

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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

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!

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

112Kviews

Share on Facebook
Iveta

Iveta

Author, Community member

Read more »

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

Read less »
Iveta

Iveta

Author, Community member

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

What do you think ?
Add photo comments
POST
Anonymous Hobiest
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's good not just for people dealing with depression. Anyone can benefit from this original, meaningful and cute idea.

Alia G.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would make one for everyone who needed it...just to help people like me

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
Anonymous Hobiest
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's good not just for people dealing with depression. Anyone can benefit from this original, meaningful and cute idea.

Alia G.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would make one for everyone who needed it...just to help people like me

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
Related on Bored Panda
Related on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda