Originally Posted by Tea Supremacist

I know what you mean. It's a lot easier to feel bad for people and want to help them rather than helping yourself. I don't know if I'd say I'm optimistic towards others. I'm honest. And if I think they're just being p*ssies then I'll tell them. But because I (and sh*t loads of others here) know what it's like to go through bad depression I kind of have a sympathy towards those that are genuinely having a tough time. I'll never sit there and say "Don't worry, it'll all be fine" because it might not be. It might be something more than teenage angst or whatever, or, on the flip side, you might look back in a years time and think 'what the f*ck was I whining about?'. I'd rather just try and give something helpful for the short term and say 'try and keep your chin up'. It's a massive cliche but talking to someone, even if it's just to vent and you get no advice from it can be a big help. No matter who you're talking to. As long as it's someone patient enough just to listen.

And nobody ever practises what they preach!