“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.
Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”
I’ve been told countless times by my religious friends that they feel sorry for me because, as an atheist, I must feel so alone and helpless. It’s actually the opposite. I remember the first time I realized I was an atheist (not just, “Well, I’m a Christian but I don’t believe this, this, or this… or this or this or this…”). It was a nice, sunny day and I went outside. I looked up at the sky and thought, There is no god. This. This is it. All the depression and dark feelings I had for years seemed to melt away in that moment and I’ve rarely felt happier. So, I don’t feel alone or helpless because there’s no god. I feel happy.
