My Dad tried it with me, when I started presenting with depression. We didn't realise how serious things were at that point, and it didn't work particularly well. But since I've been "better" and I can see things straighter, I've responded better to his toughness.

It's a bit like the story of the prodigal son, in a way. The son went a long way away from the father. The father was always waiting for him, always ready to take him back... but he wasn't prepared to go with his son to whatever dark place he ended up in. Eventually the son reached the end of himself, and realised what he'd done.

You can't keep someone tied to you, you have to let them go at some point. It's really hard. I have a great deal of respect for those that have the strength to do it.