One thing I've realized is that what I lacked in life that makes me depressed makes me want to be the opposite way towards others, such as how I treat them. It can make me feel sad for what I have and/or am missing out on, but it makes me even happier when being able to be that way for others. Does this sound silly?

No it certainly does not sound silly!
As Dr Phil once said:

"There's nothing better than giving to fill yourself up"


People often give others what they want for themselves. It's kinda like 'second hand happiness' in the way that we're living through others when we do it. But it's human kindness too - There's nothing wrong with it. It's beautiful, and don't forget that you deserve what you give too.

Doesn't sound at all silly to me. I think it's great, both that you're able to help others and that you can find happiness for yourself by doing so.

This is something you learn from depression. You know exactly how it feels to be depressed, and naturally don't want others to feel the same way. Depression is not something that's easy to comprehend unless you have experienced it first-hand. If you do know what it's like, then you won't take happiness for granted quite as much as most people do. Basically, we know exactly how it feels to be unhappy a lot, and don't want others to get anywhere near what we have been through.

Whether you are depressed or not, making others happy is always great not only for others but for ourselves. Nothing silly about it at all!

Doesn't sound silly at all, telephofee. I kind of have the same sorts of thoughts/feelings. I'd rather make anyone else happy other than myself. I agree with what everyone else has said before me; you don't want others to feel what it's like to have depression.

Making other people happy can be a path to finding your own happiness, but you must also not forget yourself. I tend to do that a bit; put others before myself. Not necessarily a bad thing, but to recover you need to sometimes put yourself first.

It was interesting to see someone else other than myself to be depressed yesterday, knowing that she hides it so well. She was crying when I first saw her and we wound up talking and laughing like old friends. You wouldn't have been able to tell she had a lot going on, but knew that she truly did and hope she is doing o.k. I wonder how it would look in this world if people didn't hide their true feelings.

This post has been edited by telephofee: Oct 19 2007, 11:03 PM

Depression has developed my empathy towards others. I know what it's like to be stuck in a pit of despair with no hope in sight. So I'm better able to sense pain in others and offer my help. I agree with what everyone has said here. Giving is a win-win deal. Both the giver and receiver feel better. When I was severely depressed, I couldn't give much. Depression made me selfish, because I couldn't get past my own pain. But now that my depression is under control, I'm able to give back more. Now I'm able to feel the joy of both giving and receiving.

Telephofee,
No, that's not silly at all! I've learned that people suffering from depression tend to be quite sensitive to the feelings of others. I try to follow the same philosophy. I deal with rejection by being as friendly and accepting towards others as I can. I try to be the friend that I never had myself. I'm in nursing partly because I want to care for others and make them feel better.

Take care.
- Elly

Not silly at all - and it's a wonderful thing because you are helping people and it's helping you, too.