10-23-2019, 10:12 PM
Not a very exciting thread subject is it?
October 10th which is one day before my birthday and is also World Mental Health Day. I was working on my recent class and so I didn't say anything that day, but it didn't slip my mind either.
The facts are sobering:
-Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Symptoms of a depressive episode can include: loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, change in weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
-Personal or family history of depression, major life changes, trauma, stress, and certain medications can contribute to a higher risk of developing depression.
-Anxiety and depression disorders are closely related. Nearly 50% of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
-There is no "one-size-fits-all" for treating depression, but common treatments include: antidepressant medications, traditional forms of psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
-In 2017, an estimated 264 million people in the world experienced depression.
-Depression comes in different forms, such as persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia), postpartum depression, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and major depression.
-Depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
Again those are very sobering truths to take in, But I want to put a much more personal face on depression. The first time I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder I was 19 years old. My fiancee left me, she was my first girlfriend period, and I did not know how to cope. Ever since then, when things become rough, I struggle more often than not with another bout of depression. It lasts for anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months typically, with the average being right around 3 weeks. It can manifest itself in different ways, but most typically I feel worthlessness and I lose interest in things I used to enjoy.
Five weeks ago, I experienced depression rearing its ugly head on me again and it was BAD. I didn't even want to get up out of bed for several mornings and while I never considered suicide, (I have only considered that once, and it was a long time ago) I did start thinking to myself that other people would be better off if I was not around to burden them. Depression takes on a whole new meaning when you are disabled, because you try so hard not too, but you do feel like you are a burden to other people. It took me one day of thinking like that and I made an appointment into see my psychologist, I wasn't taking any chances. As it turns out, my class last time was rough, a lot rougher than usual, and my psychologist believes that stress due to that class caused me another episode when I tried to keep pressing on through, without taking adequate breaks. So far, I have managed to control my depression without medication, but I live with the realization that I might not always have that option.
I feel fine now, but I do want to take this opportunity to apologize for anything I have said or did to any one of you in the last few weeks. I wasn't myself but that is no excuse, and I am sorry I have made any of you feel less than I should have, because none of you deserve that. I also want to say thank you for being some of the best friends and family I could ever ask for, because that is what all of you are to me, friends and family, and when you struggle with depression, friends and family take on a whole new level of importance.
I love all of you more than you comprehend
Most importantly though, if you know someone that you think could be depressed or someone that is depressed, keep encouraging them to receive help until they do it please? I am lucky, I have my Mom, my siblings, friends, and all of you who are there for me. I have a Bachelors degree in psychology, so I know what to look for in myself. (And I still see someone when it is necessary!) Not everyone does, so don't wait too long until you say something alright?
Thank you.
October 10th which is one day before my birthday and is also World Mental Health Day. I was working on my recent class and so I didn't say anything that day, but it didn't slip my mind either.
The facts are sobering:
-Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Symptoms of a depressive episode can include: loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, change in weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
-Personal or family history of depression, major life changes, trauma, stress, and certain medications can contribute to a higher risk of developing depression.
-Anxiety and depression disorders are closely related. Nearly 50% of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
-There is no "one-size-fits-all" for treating depression, but common treatments include: antidepressant medications, traditional forms of psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
-In 2017, an estimated 264 million people in the world experienced depression.
-Depression comes in different forms, such as persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia), postpartum depression, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and major depression.
-Depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
Again those are very sobering truths to take in, But I want to put a much more personal face on depression. The first time I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder I was 19 years old. My fiancee left me, she was my first girlfriend period, and I did not know how to cope. Ever since then, when things become rough, I struggle more often than not with another bout of depression. It lasts for anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months typically, with the average being right around 3 weeks. It can manifest itself in different ways, but most typically I feel worthlessness and I lose interest in things I used to enjoy.
Five weeks ago, I experienced depression rearing its ugly head on me again and it was BAD. I didn't even want to get up out of bed for several mornings and while I never considered suicide, (I have only considered that once, and it was a long time ago) I did start thinking to myself that other people would be better off if I was not around to burden them. Depression takes on a whole new meaning when you are disabled, because you try so hard not too, but you do feel like you are a burden to other people. It took me one day of thinking like that and I made an appointment into see my psychologist, I wasn't taking any chances. As it turns out, my class last time was rough, a lot rougher than usual, and my psychologist believes that stress due to that class caused me another episode when I tried to keep pressing on through, without taking adequate breaks. So far, I have managed to control my depression without medication, but I live with the realization that I might not always have that option.
I feel fine now, but I do want to take this opportunity to apologize for anything I have said or did to any one of you in the last few weeks. I wasn't myself but that is no excuse, and I am sorry I have made any of you feel less than I should have, because none of you deserve that. I also want to say thank you for being some of the best friends and family I could ever ask for, because that is what all of you are to me, friends and family, and when you struggle with depression, friends and family take on a whole new level of importance.
I love all of you more than you comprehend
Most importantly though, if you know someone that you think could be depressed or someone that is depressed, keep encouraging them to receive help until they do it please? I am lucky, I have my Mom, my siblings, friends, and all of you who are there for me. I have a Bachelors degree in psychology, so I know what to look for in myself. (And I still see someone when it is necessary!) Not everyone does, so don't wait too long until you say something alright?
Thank you.