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Children are taught that they must listen to their elders and be kind to everyone. However, the author of this article asserts that being too nice can contribute to depression.
Some depression can be linked to low self-esteem, which may stem from a lifelong practice of putting others needs and opinions ahead of one’s own.
The author reminds those who suffer from depression that their self-esteem should not be dependent on what others think of them.
She details her own experiences trying to gain the approval and acceptance of others, and the pain and rejection she felt when relationships failed.
She points out that by living your life to please other people you can never find happiness on your own terms.
The article goes on to encourage readers to abandon one-sided relationships and to start standing up for themselves.
She warns readers that they may encounter resistance to their new attitude.
Friends and family who are accustomed to being put first may dislike it when the person begins to pursue their own happiness instead.
The author suggests readers focus on fulfilling their own needs and choosing the things that make them happy rather than pleasing others.
Depression has many causes as well as many potential treatments. This article illustrates how one survivor overcame her depression by learning to put herself first.
