That's right. A brief word to those of you who are trying to work through depression: You aren't in this alone, and even if you wanted to be, it's just not possible. So, you might as well face up to the truth: you are coping with depression, and everyone else is coping with you! The good news is that, in most cases, people sincerely want to help. Wanting to help and being able to help can be two different animals, however. The former requires compassion, the latter knowledge. Without the necessary information, wanting to help may fall short of the mark. You'll need to tell people how they can help. You'll need to tell them what you need.

Is that the sound of eggshells cracking, as you tiptoe around the house? It's a tense atmosphere all around. Nothing you say is the right thing to say. Nothing you do is the right thing to do. When loved ones face dark times, you want to help. It's just that you don't know how, and as a result, you frequently find yourself in an argument with the one person you're trying to understand. It's so frustrating. Is there some way to find out what the right approach is? Everyone is an individual, and what works in one case isn't guaranteed to be foolproof in another. However, there are some guidelines that can help. First, let's take a look at what your loved one is experiencing from his or her particular point of view.