The problem with this argument is the fact that it assumes the person in question is socially normal. I have gone out and tried to be more active. I have gone to the gym almost everyday for almost 2 years now. I have no more friends than I had 2 years ago.
You say to let life happen as it should. For the majority of us that is exactly what is happening. Being around others will not assure anything. I hate how people trivialize the issue by saying be more active.
Yeah. But being more active does help. It's not a miracle solution like whispers said, but it's one step away from depression. Stop being active completely for a while and you'll see how much faster you'll sink as it'll add the feeling of "empty life at really doing nothing" on top of the rest.
You don't want to die. None of us really want to die. The whole concept of self harm/suicide is a shout out for help.
Yeah.
Some people out there think people who are repeatedly loud about their desire to die are liars trying to manipulate others for attention. They just don't understand, but there's nothing as destructive as this kind of assumption when you're at the point where something hurts you so much that you want LIFE itself to stop so the pain stops. And when you try to tell others about it, and get ignored or accused of creating useless drama instead of getting the help (or even just bloody validation of how you feel) you're trying to seek.
Sometimes all you want is someone that truly listens, DOESN'T try to change how you feel, and can understand your reaction/situation.
To be active is one thing. But it's always on an empty gauge if you feel no reason to do it. And "do it for yourself" is quite an abstract empty thing. Everyone says it about everything lately, but for this to work you need to be happy first. Only when you're happy can you see a point in doing stuff "for yourself". When activity comes before happiness, the best you can do is, "just do it, don't question it". Keep track of your physical improvements if there is. It could be a small accomplishment in itself which would remove some of the feeling of "just failing". It's little, but in the fight against depression, every little chip counts.
That being said, the people who just blame you for your depression (or for your desire to die) don't understand your situation. It can be better to avoid sharing your feelings with them completely, even if they're your loved ones. Writing your thoughts in a journal can be a solution that keeps you safe of misunderstandings, blames and/or rejection. You won't have the exterior eye to bring you a global view of your situation, but if you re-read yourself after a few days you can find some of your own answers.
