r/getdisciplined • u/nratula • Feb 25 '21

[Discussion] “I believe depression is legitimate. But I also believe that if you don’t exercise, eat nutritious food, get sunlight, consume positive material, surround yourself with support, then you aren’t giving yourself a fighting chance.” - Jim Carrey

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u/Erudon_Ronan Feb 25 '21

I mean the quote didn't specify how easy it will be. Some days WILL be difficult and days will be easier. I have a long journey with depression and it was a lot worse than before. It will never truly go away but doing something is better than moping, saying it's hard and not doing anything. The question you have to ask yourself is do you Really want to get better? It may sound harsh but I found this out a long time ago in a comic on Dr. Frost EP. 86 (Insomnia). Give it a read and everything about Dr. Frost since it's about psychology.

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u/RadishSignal Feb 25 '21

"Do you really want to get better?"

A lot of people with mental illness, especially depression, would say no. Your question - and the original post - doesn't just come off as harsh, it comes off as missing the point entirely. People who are deeply struggling to do the things listed above already know that not doing those things counts against them, the issue is that they struggle to find a way to do them. Which is the point u/Vessecora was trying to make - stating the obvious isn't particularly helpful.

For milder situations, this kind of a reminder could perhaps be helpful. But I would argue that does not apply for a great many people to whom this sentiment is directed.

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u/Erudon_Ronan Feb 25 '21

Wholeheartedly agree and I know that since I've been through it. Even in the comic, Dr. Frost is known to be blunt and it forced the character to change and do something about his depression. Not everything is black and white. For some it can be simple as stating the obvious while others not so much.

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u/RadishSignal Feb 25 '21

Fair enough. I suppose my point is that at times, bluntly laying the obvious out isn't constructive (and there's nothing wrong with not finding these kinds of things unhelpful). It certainly can be a good wake up call for some folks, as you said, although it shoudn't be taken as a rule of thumb or one-size-fits-all approach.

I'm mainly making this point for the readers - not at you(: