Empathizing vs Positive Thinking.

Hey all. Hope you're all doing okay.

Does anyone else get frustrated when people tell you to think positive or "to see the silver lining" when you're in a tough situation?

I would rather empathy than positive thinking, but maybe I'm just being mean? I dunno.

I would like it if someone empathized rather than engage in positive thinking because it feels like your feelings are being thrown under the bus. Dont get me wrong: I'm grateful for people like that trying to help me. But it doesn't really help. =/ And then people get frustrated at me when I have trouble immediately switching from sadness to positive thinking. I think it's because they always think so positively that they can't understand why you feel the way you do, but it just makes the sadness worse.

Does anyone else feel the same way as I do?

Yes, I'm sure plenty of people do. It happens quite often, especially to people who have depression. Try not to blame them too much. If you can, try to educate them on exactly what depression is and isn't, so that they may help you in more meaningful ways.

You're definitely right. This person knows I've had depression for over a decade but there's still a lot they don't understand. I've tried to explain things to them but they get frustrated. I will try again, or maybe give them something to read, as the things they have read doesn't doesn't seem to make things clear. Thank You!

I agree.