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Woman Shares How Her Boyfriend Is Handling Her Crippling Depression, And It’s Absolutely Amazing
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Woman Shares How Her Boyfriend Is Handling Her Crippling Depression, And It’s Absolutely Amazing

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Depression is a bitch. Unless you’ve experienced the crushing, exhausting and anxiety inducing condition yourself, it’s impossible to know what it’s like to live with.

Many a relationship has ended because of this. There are significant others who love, cherish and would do anything to help their depressed partner, and have only the best intentions. However, their attempts to ‘cheer up’ or ‘get things moving’ can often lead to frustration, and only make matters worse.

That’s why empathy, understanding and patience are needed in just the right amounts, with a dash of humour for good measure. Imgur user RoastedIguana is lucky enough to have a boyfriend who understands this, and this is her story.

“I’ve been clinically depressed for 13 years, once in a while I can’t even get myself to get out of bed, no matter how hungry I am or how bad I have to pee,” she explained. “Today is such a day.”

Scroll down below to see how her day unfolded, and take note of her boyfriend’s way of handling it. While it may not work for everyone, this guy clearly loves and understands his girl, and she clearly appreciates and loves him right back. It is a heartwarming little episode that shows that while depression is rough for all involved, a little empathy and self-depreciating humour can really go a long way.

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People were full of admiration and support for the couple

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James Caunt

James Caunt

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James is a Bored Panda reporter who graduated with a BA in Peace And Conflict Studies and an MA in African Affairs. Before Bored Panda, he was an English teacher and also travelled a lot, doing odd jobs from beer-slinging to brickie's labourer and freelance journalism along the way. James loves covering stories about social and environmental issues and prefers to highlight the positive things that unite us, rather than petty internet squabbles about fictional characters. James is the grumpy, contradictory one who thinks that Bored Panda, due to its large audience, has a social responsibility to inspire and inform its readers with interesting issues and entertaining, well-researched stories. Let's do our bit to make our little corner of the internet a smarter, more truthful and less angry place!

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James Caunt

James Caunt

Author, Community member

James is a Bored Panda reporter who graduated with a BA in Peace And Conflict Studies and an MA in African Affairs. Before Bored Panda, he was an English teacher and also travelled a lot, doing odd jobs from beer-slinging to brickie's labourer and freelance journalism along the way. James loves covering stories about social and environmental issues and prefers to highlight the positive things that unite us, rather than petty internet squabbles about fictional characters. James is the grumpy, contradictory one who thinks that Bored Panda, due to its large audience, has a social responsibility to inspire and inform its readers with interesting issues and entertaining, well-researched stories. Let's do our bit to make our little corner of the internet a smarter, more truthful and less angry place!

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

Yep, persisent humour in a good doze can do wonders :)) Happy for her having someone like that!

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

Yes please, keep this guy around, so that we know that you are in good hands!

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

I hope you can read this comment. My wife also suffered crippling depression, so much that I had to bathed her and everything else she couldn't do... In the meantime also taking care of our infant daughter. It is a life wrecking disease and has tearing us apart for the last eight years. If he has the strength to keep up his spirits he's a keeper. Good luck and Godspeed on you both! I'm feeling for you.

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

That's a dedicated man. Do not underestimate how rare that is. Caring for someone with a chronic condition of any kind is a serious chore (literally).

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

You are very lucky to have such a smart, caring boyfriend who knows just what to do...humor goes a long way!

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

I love him all ready, He made you laugh. Love that he put the cat on you head and every thing else on top of you. Get up girl and I know it's hard, but take care of that man that cares about you.

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

It's not an easy one to deal with. 20 years for me. But while I seldom get immobilised by it, I can be bloody hard work. And I'm exceptionally lucky to have someone similar, whose caring, light hearted and non-judgemental approach approach helps lift the clouds! Keep him!

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

you are so lucky many would leave you to dwell in it but he loves and adores you so he is the one that will get this horrible thing moving , it is damn hard but just eep at it

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

Wonderful support! He keeps checking up on you, and I had to laugh when he kept bringing wierd things in each time. The chair was the funniest. lol

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

Supportive family and friends is vital when living with a chronic illness. She is very blessed to have him in her life, and I hope she reciprocates the support. With proper medical attention and patient adherence to the prescribed treatment, a person can live a fully engaged life while managing their chronic depression.

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

It's so beautiful to hear about partners having so much understanding for their loved one. Unfortunately it doesn't happen as often as it should.

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

I want someone to take care of me like this boyfriend .-.

Every day is Caturday 4.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don’t want to be in those kind of circumstances where a person would have to take care of you like that.

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

I was there in 1981, everyone distanced themselves from me, I got advice like"cheer up, just cheer up" or stories of what they went through and how they took on the world, none of these people had ever experienced clinical depression, thankfully good doctors and medicine, not stupid sayings, got me through and I never had a problem with that monster since. You have a great boyfriend, hope you get better and can re-pay him sometime.

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

I had a similar situation - I mean, I know what depression is. How does it feel when you don't want even to breathe. When you are afraid of becoming mad and you know that the enemy is your brain... and you can't escape from yourself. I also have a boyfriend that is taking care of me when I think that everything is hopeless... Keep Him and think about Him (and your relationship and future) as the most important reason to deal with this stupid b*tch called Depression!

1cat
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look how the simple way and idea can turn things around. Good man.

moonsong23
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This guy is totally a keeper. There are too many people who will tell you that depression is "all in your head", or simply don't understand what it is. Those people have no idea how awful it is to have depression, because it isn't just sadness. It often comes in the form of lack of emotion, apathy, hopelessness, and in severe cases an inclination to kill oneself. Depression really does ruin your life, and often make you not even want to live anymore. That's why it can be even more frustrating and hurtful when you are told that it's in your head.

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

You are so lucky! I wish I had someone close to his personality next me. I have been insulted for being lazy, for pretending, for not being normal and needing psychological help, I never met any understanding in my life and keep my lonely life going day by day but it is extremely difficult. I recently bought a god and adopted a kitten. They help me a lot with ther pure love and devotion. I feel like I have someone to live for now...

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

Keep him and make sure that you do (almost) everything for him in your better mood. He is a great person, I wish you both the best. Laughter is sometimes the easiest way to get out of such a low and he seems to know exactly what makes you smile and laugh.

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

I dont think that would work for me. My anxiety is too awful when I feel like that. My husband and I have been married for 30 years. For about the first 15 years he would tell me, "Just look at the bright side!" or "You are just thinking too negatively!" I finally took him to a Psychiatrist with me and he explained the problem to him...physiologically. He totally understands me now..finally. He knows to give me a bit of space, but checks with me periodically to offer support, and a hug. My medications are finally very well managed, so these times for me are few and far between thank God. Having someone that TRULY cares for you really helps!

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

my ex never understood. I have had fibromyalgia for 55 years. my boyfriend is more understanding. the chair made me laugh. the lighten up light bulb would have pissed me off. I got tired of hearing.. oh just get up and do something. he had me till that light bulb. but, nobody's perfect! (-:

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

get genetic testing for mthfr. If you have this mutation your depression is treatable! https://draxe.com/mthfr-mutation/ here a link!

Darlon Shelter
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

In my specific case, the only thing that makes me sad and depressed is the lack of-of money. Except this, my life is a sea of roses.

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

Yep, persisent humour in a good doze can do wonders :)) Happy for her having someone like that!

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

Yes please, keep this guy around, so that we know that you are in good hands!

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

I hope you can read this comment. My wife also suffered crippling depression, so much that I had to bathed her and everything else she couldn't do... In the meantime also taking care of our infant daughter. It is a life wrecking disease and has tearing us apart for the last eight years. If he has the strength to keep up his spirits he's a keeper. Good luck and Godspeed on you both! I'm feeling for you.

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

That's a dedicated man. Do not underestimate how rare that is. Caring for someone with a chronic condition of any kind is a serious chore (literally).

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

You are very lucky to have such a smart, caring boyfriend who knows just what to do...humor goes a long way!

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

I love him all ready, He made you laugh. Love that he put the cat on you head and every thing else on top of you. Get up girl and I know it's hard, but take care of that man that cares about you.

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

It's not an easy one to deal with. 20 years for me. But while I seldom get immobilised by it, I can be bloody hard work. And I'm exceptionally lucky to have someone similar, whose caring, light hearted and non-judgemental approach approach helps lift the clouds! Keep him!

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

you are so lucky many would leave you to dwell in it but he loves and adores you so he is the one that will get this horrible thing moving , it is damn hard but just eep at it

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

Wonderful support! He keeps checking up on you, and I had to laugh when he kept bringing wierd things in each time. The chair was the funniest. lol

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

Supportive family and friends is vital when living with a chronic illness. She is very blessed to have him in her life, and I hope she reciprocates the support. With proper medical attention and patient adherence to the prescribed treatment, a person can live a fully engaged life while managing their chronic depression.

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

It's so beautiful to hear about partners having so much understanding for their loved one. Unfortunately it doesn't happen as often as it should.

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

I want someone to take care of me like this boyfriend .-.

Every day is Caturday 4.0
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don’t want to be in those kind of circumstances where a person would have to take care of you like that.

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

I was there in 1981, everyone distanced themselves from me, I got advice like"cheer up, just cheer up" or stories of what they went through and how they took on the world, none of these people had ever experienced clinical depression, thankfully good doctors and medicine, not stupid sayings, got me through and I never had a problem with that monster since. You have a great boyfriend, hope you get better and can re-pay him sometime.

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

I had a similar situation - I mean, I know what depression is. How does it feel when you don't want even to breathe. When you are afraid of becoming mad and you know that the enemy is your brain... and you can't escape from yourself. I also have a boyfriend that is taking care of me when I think that everything is hopeless... Keep Him and think about Him (and your relationship and future) as the most important reason to deal with this stupid b*tch called Depression!

1cat
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look how the simple way and idea can turn things around. Good man.

moonsong23
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This guy is totally a keeper. There are too many people who will tell you that depression is "all in your head", or simply don't understand what it is. Those people have no idea how awful it is to have depression, because it isn't just sadness. It often comes in the form of lack of emotion, apathy, hopelessness, and in severe cases an inclination to kill oneself. Depression really does ruin your life, and often make you not even want to live anymore. That's why it can be even more frustrating and hurtful when you are told that it's in your head.

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

You are so lucky! I wish I had someone close to his personality next me. I have been insulted for being lazy, for pretending, for not being normal and needing psychological help, I never met any understanding in my life and keep my lonely life going day by day but it is extremely difficult. I recently bought a god and adopted a kitten. They help me a lot with ther pure love and devotion. I feel like I have someone to live for now...

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

Keep him and make sure that you do (almost) everything for him in your better mood. He is a great person, I wish you both the best. Laughter is sometimes the easiest way to get out of such a low and he seems to know exactly what makes you smile and laugh.

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

I dont think that would work for me. My anxiety is too awful when I feel like that. My husband and I have been married for 30 years. For about the first 15 years he would tell me, "Just look at the bright side!" or "You are just thinking too negatively!" I finally took him to a Psychiatrist with me and he explained the problem to him...physiologically. He totally understands me now..finally. He knows to give me a bit of space, but checks with me periodically to offer support, and a hug. My medications are finally very well managed, so these times for me are few and far between thank God. Having someone that TRULY cares for you really helps!

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

my ex never understood. I have had fibromyalgia for 55 years. my boyfriend is more understanding. the chair made me laugh. the lighten up light bulb would have pissed me off. I got tired of hearing.. oh just get up and do something. he had me till that light bulb. but, nobody's perfect! (-:

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

get genetic testing for mthfr. If you have this mutation your depression is treatable! https://draxe.com/mthfr-mutation/ here a link!

Darlon Shelter
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

In my specific case, the only thing that makes me sad and depressed is the lack of-of money. Except this, my life is a sea of roses.

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