• CaptDust
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    2 days ago

    I went through the worst depression of my life around 2017, tried to express these feelings to my gf at the time and explain why our romance was failing or why I spent half the day in bed.

    Basically got told “poor you”, everyone has struggles, snap out of it and be a man. That definitely helped, and didn’t push me even deeper into feelings of worthlessness…

    I’m doing ok now, but it was the first time I felt comfortable enough with someone to express those emotions, I was at my wits end. The response was eye opening, never again.

    • technojamin@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      Instead of saying to yourself “never again”, how about “never again with someone who will betray my vulnerability”? Because what happened to you sounds really horrible, but there are people out there who will be with you in your struggles and nurture and build you up in your vulnerable moments.

      As a man someone who also struggles with vulnerability, there are ways to test the waters in a relationship (family, friend, partner, etc) when it comes to vulnerability so that you won’t be hurt like that again. I actually watched this video recently and found it really helpful: https://youtu.be/WyKFHd7cSaU?si=J8zSMvZt_7WouQb7

      Of course, none of this is easy, but it can be life-changing to open up to someone and feel cared for. I’m glad you’re doing better, and I wish you the best.

      • Croquette
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        23 hours ago

        I’ve been in a relationship with my partner for 12 years now and I am lucky that I found someone that was supporting of my issues since pretty much day one.

        In the last year, after many years of therapy, I was able to finally be totally vulnerable to my partner even if she always was supportive, not holding anything back, and it was liberating and almost addictive for a while.

        The feeling is indescribable and one of the best feeling of my life.

    • Resonosity@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      1 day ago

      A given group of people are not a monolith. While we do share a lot of similarities, we also all have the potential to be a little different from one another.

      I hope you get a chance to find someone that will allow you to be open like that again. Sharing those emotions and having someone their to empathetically receive them is one of the most gratifying things as a human.

    • flying_sheep@lemmy.ml
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      2 days ago

      Im sorry that happened, but never again what?

      Like, “never again open up about a huge important part of my life to”

      a) anyone, or b) someone you don’t know too long

      Because only a) is healthy. I don’t think trying to mask your depression can work in a serious relationship.