The Bible says, "Love covers a multitude of sins." But depression is not a sin in most cases. Depression is a physical illness like any other. And I don't think it's saying that love excuses behavior that is not loving or not lovely. But I think true love accepts someone who is depressed and gives them as much love as they can receive. Some can receive love and it can help them heal; some cannot receive, for reasons unknown even to themselves, and the love just kind of bounces off. Can love cure depression? It can sure the heck help to know you are loved in spite of the depression. And a lot of times, it is not the kind of love that is "showered" on a person with platitudes and gifts, but it is the agreement to sit and listen and wait for the person to feel better. My mom did not (and perhaps does not) understand the kind of severe depression I had, but she provided a place for me to live, prepared my meals, paid the utilities, bought me a car for transportation, and did all she could to show me that she loved me. She didn't approve of all of my behaviors, but she supported me with kindness and quiet acceptance until I was able to return her love. Without that, who knows what might have happened.
Hey Donna
It is totally evident that your mother loves you and cares about you...and that you love her very much. I think you are so right...there are many ways to express love and sometimes the everyday actions of another such as paying bills or preparing meals...are signs of real love. I am so glad that your mom was there for you when you needed her.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Depression can destroy love, it enacts a serious toll upon loved ones.
Love is subjective as each person has their own brand, expectations and tolerances which define the feeling to them, and as advice is often given here, each person must judge how long they can remain. I really wonder how many can withstand the constant assault on their lives of full and unrelenting depression, what else but love keeps them?
I also cannot see that the love of anyone can cure another's depression, on it's own, without a major awakening or change taking place in the depressed person. Whether self, environmentally, or medically induced. I do think love can prompt a person to seek these changes and work hard where they would not otherwise.
I am a dreamer though, I refuse to believe that there isn't love which, conquers all, unless I just watch too many movies. If it naive, I will stay there.
Hi Paul!
Good to see you. I too wish to believe in the power of love and yes it can promote change but only if the person wants it. Love can hit a brick wall if the recipient won't receive it. It can be a heartbreaking situation.
But yes...sometimes love is the prime motivation for someone to get better and heal. So it is imperative to at least try.
Thank you so much for your comment.
I, too, agree with what you're saying, Merely Me. We'd like to think it's true. I do think, though, that love can help heal depression when it's born of compassion and the desire to allow the depressed person to be their best self. This is usually not "romantic" love in the chemical/hormonal sense, usually. I think the process of falling in love can temporarily distract us and help lift a depression, but I wouldn't call it a "cure" because, as I know, it can return at a time when you're not feeling so wonderful.
Maybe what I'm really trying to say is that love - real love - can help heal our souls if we're able to take it in. And if we can heal our souls, it makes the depression a little lighter, maybe more manageable. Anyway, that's been my experience. The person has to be able to take it in. Many times, in the worst of a depression, that's not possible, yet another's words or actions may be remembered at a later time and taken in when they're in a better place.
I so agree with you Judy.
Love absolutely makes it all more manageable...to know someone is rooting for you and is by your side. I think where it goes wrong is when the other person wants to change you to feed their own ego or treats you like a stray cat that they need to save. Love is wanting the best for you but also accepting you wherever you are at with your healing. At least this is my interpretation of it. Everyone has their own ideas about what love means and what it can do.
Thanks so much for joining our discussion. Have a great weekend Judy.
I am saving this post so I can do this checkup once a week. The beginning of the week would have been about a 6 or 7 as I was having some racing thoughts and was having some anxiety in the mornings. I was managing it however, was trying to do some breathing exercising and self talk. Later in the week got in a big blowout with my mom. I do have a rocky relationship with her already and tempers just got out of control. After that the anxiety just went through the roof, culminating in a bad anxiety attack yesterday morning. No amount of breathing or self talk was gonna help at that point.
I do realize that I was experiencing heightened anxiety before I argued with my mom. So, I wonder if the fallout would have been as bad if I wasn't already anxious. I didn't really eat properly, ate healthy but wasn't eating enought. I didn't exercise either though I meant to every day. I know I have to make myself do it. I also did not reach out to anyone. However, my mom and I did have a real heart to heart conversation yesterday about everything. I really realized for the first time that my mom has dealt with this the same as I have. Maybe not as bad but she really does understand I think.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
If they could make a self-love pill, it'd cure my depression.
Merelyme - I actually found this site because I was looking for information on Sam-e and found you.
How long did it take to kick in for you?
Hi there
I am so glad you found this site!
You know...it was so long ago...I am trying to remember. It didn't take long...far less time than a typical antidepressant. I mainly noticed feeling like I had more energy and motivation. I didn't feel drugged. But it was working for me because I have tried St. John's wort and that didn't do anything but make me feel sleepy. But the SAM-e keeps me on an even keel. I stopped experiencing such lows. I still do feel depressed sometimes but it isn't the sinking horrible depressions I had been having. I felt better...definitely within a few weeks if not sooner.
Not everyone is going to react in the same way and for some...SAM-e is not going to do it...they are going to need a traditional prescription antidepressant.
Hope this helps some! Let us know how you fare on it.