Lets talk about it…depression that is!
When I checked myself into a mental hospital for the first time, I had one of the most liberating experiences ever! I was able to talk about my illness with other patients and with caregivers in a way I hadn’t before. I did not feel self-conscious or embarrassed or stigmatized. While I am not given this sort of environment on a regular basis, I did learn something new. I’ve got to talk! I’ve got to talk about it and be open about it…for my sake not necessarily for others. Talking about it opens new doors. For me its an opportunity to share and not be self-conscious about my illness. Afterall it is an illness like other well-known illnesses like diabetes. It is not my fault, in fact it is nobody’s. For others, it may be an opportunity to share their own experiences with depression or about a loved one. If they do not have any experience with it, it is a teachable moment for me. One path to healing is breaking down the stigmas regarding depression and getting accustomed to living with this illness.
Beth,
It is so courageous for you to talk about depression. I too experienced depression and didn’t realize it. I never thought it could happen to me, but experienced it after both pregnancies. God bless you!
Shellie, did you know that at least 20% of women who deliver experience postpartum depression? You’re not alone. I am sorry you went through that. But you made it through! God bless you!
Thank you for telling your story. To many of us don’t say anything or pretend its some one esle. To many of us don’t understand whats happenning to them.
Thank you! You’re right, sometimes its easier not to talk about it. But we’ve got to talk to about it!! Keep talking.
I don’t care for the x-mas holidays or new years. My mom has been gone for two years now and the other day my cousin who was like a mother to me passed on also. Now I realyy feel alone, just typing this makes me angry.I have step children that rude and not nice to me at all. I miss my mother verry, very much. I still cry. I cry hard. This use to be a very great timne for our family, bnot any more-there is no one to share it with. I’ve thought about this situtation and I came to remember how much mom loved the holidays and the music. I put on her favorites, this was worse. I can’t seem to handle this. Just wish it was Febuary already. Thanks for listening.
I’m sorry to hear about your mother and your cousin. I know that can’t be easy especially around the holidays. I’m not a mental health professional so I really can’t give you any advice but it does sound as if you may need to speak to someone professionally (if you’re not already) about grieving. You said it used to be a really good time for you and your family. I wonder if there is anything you can do to make it a good time for you now. Bringing joy to others is a sure way of feeling good yourself. Anyway, I’m glad to listen. Thanks for sharing!
Thank-you for sharing your experiences. You are truly a blessing, especially to those of us who have experienced paralyzing, debilitating depression–that keeps you from getting out of bed, that affects your ability to do a job you love. I had sought counseling in the past, belonged to great churches, and am blessed with many, many good friends who prayed for me daily. I survived, thankfully, because of these prayers and community; but, I could not make the kind of progress towards recovery I wanted to until the prayers, fellowship, and counseling ministry of St. Paul’s–with God’s grace–all came together to put me on the path to healing. Although I get joy from service to others during the holidays, I usually dread the time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. I understand too well Linda’s comment about wishing for February. This year for the first time in a long time, I may actually enjoy the holidays. Thanks be to God.
Yvonne, I am so glad that this holiday season may be different for you, thanks be to God! Prayer is one of those integral parts on the path to healing. Knowing that you are surrounded by prayer helps so much especially in those times when depression eats away at the very possibility of you praying for yourself. I am so glad that you have survived and continue to survive your depression. I know its not easy but the world is a better place for having you in it. May God continue to bless you and yours especially on this path to healing. Happy Holidays!
When I was first made aware of your blog, I was speechless. I watch you in church every Sunday so well composed and wondered how could you possibly be depressed. Then my mom reminded me that I am the same. Often times when I’m “going through” people will never know because. I’m still smiling :-) But the pain on the inside is so intense that I can barely function sometimes. Haing someone to talk to is a great help, but who do I choose to talk to? The fear of being called crazy is just to overwhelming at times. So, I continue to keep it inside & deal the best way I know how. These past 4 months have been horrid, but I know God will make a way!!!!!
Dear BambiEyez,
I’m sorry these past 4 months have been hard…but as you say God will make a way. And I find that when we are going through these rough times, we find ways to protect ourselves too. We wear masks, we pretend that everything is alright, we smile when inside we are screaming, we laugh when inside we are crying. We find ways too! But it is so important to talk about it. If you don’t have a therapist or a good friend or family member you can trust and you feel comfortable with, here is a safe and anonymous space where you can share your thoughts. Don’t be afraid. Blessings to you.