there is no amount of good intentions and kind words that can stand in for medical attention in real time.
add in the chance that no one sees a post right away, that someone says the wrong thing, the odds of a good outcome are just not that good.

perhaps we should pin this post.

At least a little? I have said for years and years that when a pancreas, liver or elbow isn't working properly, no one gives the sufferer anything but understanding. OK, some RW asshole might just say "Suck it up," but in general, people are very good about it.

When that something is a brain misfiring for whatever reason, or an emotional crisis, "Shake it off" is about the worst thing you can say. I feel there's been progress, but it's not up close and personal in my life very often, so it's hard for me to tell.

I think with the more educated and informed people, we understand that mental illness/dysfunction is on a par with physical illness/dysfunction. The less educated and informed, not so much.

I know personally, I still don't feel comfortable talking about it until I really get to know someone. I don't want to hear all the standard advice and comments. Major depression for men is still in the dark ages. It's still an issue of "manning up", which is exactly what we male sufferers don't need or want to hear.

Good question!

and they're few and far between.

Thanks for your post, Steve. It got me thinking about my depression (treatment resistant) and you're right that we are still in the dark ages on this issue. And, most of the shrinks are nothing but pill pushers.

I am glad to see this get more into the sunshine, although I fear we will continue to be pushed into the margins of society and kept closeted.

The internet can be a double-edged sword for depression sufferers: it is an excellent source of valid info if we seek it in the right places, however it can be a disaster if we allow ourselves to become closeted within in it socially, as a means of escape. I'm working on that one now!

...........

A post appeared last night/early morning that said a person needed mental help. All of the replies said, "Go to the ER now!" and people also gave phone numbers and help lines to call. Fellow DUers can give supportive words but not the professional help that a person requires at one of these very low points. It is scary when you can't really do something for a person who is calling out for help via the internet.

Steve is correct, IMO.

(FYI: I’m OK at present ... but have not always been!)

-Puzzler

I have major depression—it’s part and parcel of CPTSD.
I don’t hide it, and I find more people than you might expect have psych issues too.

Personally, im glad to share that I’m doing better—my psychiatrist added Abilify (generic Aripiprazole) and it’s made a world of difference.