Replies

You don't volunteer so you don't understand the message.

I do volunteer my time as a first responder so I know what I'm talking about and I'm a health professional working with death and dying all the time

I see real problems out there and people overcoming and trying to survive against incredible odds.

When you volunteer your time to help others you appreciate what you have and you find you don't have time for the pity party....and the rewards are knowing you make a difference.

It's a simple message, you just didn't get it.

I should've also added that besides volunteering if he's being depressed/blaming the news for his slip ups then --

Turn off the tv

...........and go do something positive !

I didn't see your initial post as a problem, advice comes in all flavors and maybe it is the kick in the pants type of advice that ends up helping the most. You never know what comment will come in handy.

That's why I thought that opening this up to all would likely be much better than me trying to give my opinions alone. And I think there is a lot of good advice here already.

re: volunteering

By going to AA, one finds that over time the emphasis shifts from what you can take from the group to what you can give to the newcomers in the group. But you must have some level of health yourself in order to help others. And as we all know when we teach something to others we are learning it better ourselves.

Thank you for the time that you volunteer as a first responder. What you do is a much needed, and under-appreciated task. God Bless You.

You don't volunteer so you don't understand the message. I do volunteer my time as a first responder so I know what I'm talking about and I'm a health professional working with death and dying all the time
I see real problems out there and people overcoming and trying to survive against incredible odds.
When you volunteer your time to help others you appreciate what you have and you find you don't have time for the pity party....and the rewards are knowing you make a difference.
It's a simple message, you just didn't get it.
I should've also added that besides volunteering if he's being depressed/blaming the news for his slip ups then --
Turn off the tv
...........and go do something positive !

~~~~

I don't volunteer? How on earth would you have any idea what I do or don't do?

I did get it: I just think your capacity for compassion could use an adjustment.

I have a feeling that you have never been, or known, someone with debilitating depression...or a full blown addiction.

Your advice is terrific for mildly depressed, but basically emotionally healthy person. It is also good advice for those recovering--after a certain point.

But for someone in this Freeper's state of being, it only adds guilt and despair. You can not imagine what it is like for someone who is barely holding it together to be told "Get your act together and do more." In fact, that is absolutely the LAST thing he needs.

Sometimes you need to know that you are not alone, that you are valued and that your continued presence on this earth is worth the effort to get healthy.