Yes I would absolutely tell that to a depressed person. And I have said it. I was depressed for a decade. And yet people spoke to me this way, because that's life. I was on antidepressants. I took care of my problem(s) and I still got my job done while struggling, medicating, and going to therapy. A big part of therapy was learning to separate "them" from "me" in my internal dialog.
You know what? I'm glad someone spoke to me that way. It got me up and motivated to work on myself. I can't imagine how poorly I would have turned out if I was coddled and allowed to stay in bed and read about all of these new pop-psych diseases I could blame. But that's just me. Maybe I can reach someone the way I was reached.
However, you are conflating two completely unrelated things. I am not responsible for your internal mental state, nor is anyone responsible for mine. This is a crucial skill that I believe is sorely lacking.
> You know what? I'm glad someone spoke to me that way. It got me up and motivated to work on myself. I can't imagine how poorly I would have turned out if I was coddled and allowed to stay in bed and read about all of these new pop-psych diseases I could blame. But that's just me. Maybe I can reach someone the way I was reached.
I think that is the problem. Maybe it is just you. The language you use, coddling, and how you speak of mental diseases as if it's some made up thing suggest maybe you weren't going through what others are going through.
> Maybe I can reach someone the way I was reached.
I doubt it. I read your first comment and then the edit, and thought maybe you'd come to your senses, but no. You do lack empathy and understanding. You sound very like your not trying to reach some one, instead, you're trying to tell them how it is from your point of view. No empathy. People actually suffering don't need that from you.
I'm sure some people who have beaten depression might say, "I'm glad I received empathy, kind words, and gentle encouragement; it helped me get over it." Others will say, "I needed a kick in the ass to get my life on track." I'm in the latter camp. Sounds like you're in the former. You can have empathy in both cases. Don't accidentally confuse "empathy" with "enabling."
Anyway, related to your actual post – you said:
> Buckle up and get it done, it's that simple.
Would you tell a depressed person
> Cheer up and go outside, it's that simple.
If so, what evidence do you have that this is an effective treatment?
If not, what makes the two situations (w/r/r "culpability" for ones cognitive abilities) different?