“Who then can so softly bind up the wound of another as he who has felt the same wound himself?”
I love how the word softly is used in this quote. It implies the loving, tender compassion we can give to one another, in particular those who suffer as we have suffered. For me, talking to others who had themselves experienced depression was critical for me in my attempt to hang on to life during the incredibly difficult years I had until we were able to get me to a healthy place. A special few were able to give me a sliver of hope in my darkest of times. I needed to hear from those who had survived the devastating effects of depression themselves, and even then, I still had difficulty believing that I would one day be well. Hope is out there for each one of us but sometimes we need those around us to give us a lifeline and a reason to keep living. I will forever be grateful for those who "softly bound up my wounds" in my time of need. My hope is to give to others that which was given to me- an understanding heart and empathetic, listening ears.
