Hello everyone... as part of my studies I wanted to look in to what compassion means to depression sufferers... I had a period of acute depression several years ago and the desire to find what helped me through it has spurred a research project in to this area. I am hoping you may have experienced small moments of compassion that have helped you through and are willing to perhaps share these experiences with me?
Simplistically I have taken the literal dictionary meaning of compassion as ..."a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering."
And Spiritually ; "Compassion is that which makes the heart of the good move at the pain of others. It crushes and destroys the pain of others; thus, it is called compassion. It is called compassion because it shelters and embraces the distressed". - The Buddha.
And the basis of compassion from the latin, meaning "co-suffering."
I find compassion came when others tried to understand what I was going through and didnt attempt to brush it off.
I found a majority of my family almost viewed it as an internal battle, not for them to intervene or be a part of.
My one moment of compassion came when a close friend embraced me in a hug and simply said she was there and it was a part of me like every other that she would share with me.
I am most interested in these small moments, and particularly in relation to intereaction with professional care givers?
I look forward to sharing your experiences x