[whoever]

I was expecting sarcasm or surprise when I told my kids I had an appointment with a therapist. Well, they surprised me, but now they're acting like I'm made of glass!
It may be the first time in their lives that I've admitted I couldn't cope, but I'm not so fragile they have to protect me from everything! Parts of the Christmas dinner I cooked were outstanding, some things were OK, and the pie from a new recipe was awful! But everyone was going on like I'd created a culinary masterpiece!
They decided it was too depressing that I didn't have a tree, so they went and bought me one. Lord knows, I appreciate the thought, and am grateful for the love that's behind it, but my depression comes from the inside, not my surroundings. It isn't their fault, and it isn't something they can fix! I can't even fix it, that's why I'm seeking professional help.
How do I convince them that it's ok to be themselves around me? I'm still who I've always been, being honest isn't going to push me over the edge to suicide or anything, and they're going to stress themselves out like this. I don't want to make them feel like I don't appreciate what they're trying to do....

[sabby]

((((((((((( whoever ))))))))))))

Print what you wrote here and hand it to them if you cannot say the words to them.

When there is little understanding of what depression is, they of course will act like you are fragile. It's obvious that they love you or they wouldn't have made the effort.

Sit down with them and talk as openly as you can. Have some educational material for them to read if needed so they can learn about depression. If there is something specific that is affecting you and it's written about in the material, then circle it so they have an idea of how you are feeling.

Just some ideas for you. I hope you are feeling better soon. Good for you for making an appointment with a therapist. Wishing you well ((((((((((( whoever )))))))))))

sabby

[Perna]

Just keep acting naturally and their impulses will wear off :-) They can't keep up always being thoughtful anymore than we can get undepressed. If they're over the top in some areas, point it out so you feel better but otherwise I'd just let nature take its course. Be queen for a bit, you deserve it!

[Cyran0]

I agree with Perna, my first thought was, and this is bad why? Let them be good to you for a bit. Just, ya know, don't take advantage of it. They are trying to show that they love you and care about what you're going through in the only way they know how.

If it is too much, speak up. Just tell them to relax.

My two cents.

Cyran0

[whoever]

Thanks Ya'll, it's just a little wierd to have everyone walking on eggs around me!

[Ocean13]

If you can't explain it to them & they aren't understanding how you feel, maybe you can have them join you in one of your sessions. Everyone needs to open up. They don't need to hold it all in too. Everyone needs to open up.

Happy 2008!

Ocean