Depression is Real!
I contemplated typing about this because it’s so personal, but that’s what makes blogging “real” right? Not too long ago, our family went through some VERY challenging trials (it brings me to tears just thinking about it). I fell into this depression. I say “fell” because that’s what it feels like. You keep falling and falling, digging the hole deeper and deeper, and it feels impossible to get out of. I didn’t feel like doing my makeup or my hair, I didn’t want to leave the house, I just didn’t care anymore. I escaped from life by being on the computer all day long.
After having my 3rd boy and dealing with these challenges we were facing, I became completely overwhelmed. I felt like life was fuzzy – covered by grey clouds – I couldn’t see the light at the other end of the tunnel. I felt like, “what’s the point?” I felt like I couldn’t keep my house clean enough, I couldn’t finish the laundry, I didn’t feel like cooking. I was depressed. I wasn’t suicidal and had no thoughts of hurting my family, but I couldn’t get out of this sad and blue rut I was in.
The recession is hitting most everybody pretty hard. People are becoming overwhelmed and depressed about finances, marital problems, the fear of losing a job and not being able to support their family. I was in denial for a while about being depressed. I thought “That can’t happen to me. I have 3 kids – I’m a mom and a wife. I’m not depressed…it’s just a phase.” WRONG!!!
Once I recognized I was dealing with depression, I wanted it gone. I know many people who are against anti-depressants, but I am here to tell you that when you are depressed, you feel hopeless and sometimes you NEED to take anti-depressants to get going on the right path again. With the help of a mental health counselor and anti-depressants, I feel like the clouds have been lifted I can see the blue skies and sun again. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have hope for the future. I do not plan on being on anti-depressants forever and it is hard for me to say that I do take them, but they helped me to think clearly again. Speak with a psychiatrist to know which kind of medication can help you cope with your mental health condition. If you have a teenage kid who’s struggling with mental health issues, you may help them find a teen therapy specialist.
I am thankful to good friends who stopped by to see how I was doing, friends who offered to watch my kids for me, blogging friends who encouraged me to seek help. Depression is real and everybody is susceptible to having it. With a good support system, counseling pocatello, and prayer, anyone can overcome depression! The first step is to recognize it and the second step is to work on overcoming it. Remember, you are not alone.
[…] emotionally. With challenges in life, people become susceptible to depression – I know from personal experience. But there is hope – there is a way to overcome depression in one’s life. How do I […]
I’m so glad you’re doing better. I’ve never had to experience depression first hand but my husband & mother both suffer from it. My husband used to take meds for it as a teen & chooses do just work through it without them now because he didnt like the side effects (it’s working for him). On the other hand my mother chose meds & she’s in such a better place now. Either way, I’m glad both came to terms & are dealing with the issue.
Great post!
That’s great to hear you’re doing well now Shannon!! Remember, the Joy of the LORD IS your STRENGTH!! Lean on the LORD in tough times. *Hugs*
I love to hear success stories! I’m so glad you’re feeling better. Hope things continue to go well for you. Depression is definitely no joke. I’ve been on anti-depressants since 8th grade- I’ve tried going off multiple times, but always end up in the same depressed state. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will be on anti-depressants every single day for the rest of my life- and once I owned that decision and that truth, life got even better because I didn’t feel guilty anymore. Best of luck to you- here’s a depression related post I had a while back… You’re not alone! =)
http://pricemommysense.blogspot.com/2009/07/dear-mommy-bloggers.html
Thanks for sharing your story. God is probably using it touch a lot of lives right now.
[…] I wrote a post called “Depression is Real.” I was a little nervous to write it, thinking people would judge me or think there was […]
Amen sister! I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for anti-depressants. They truly are a life saver.
I know how hard it is to share with people how hard it is, but thank you for sharing your story. Trust me when I say I know how it goes-I’m still fighting depression and S.I. to this day and it gets overwhelming sometimes. You have to take the good days when you can and get through the bad ones.
I’m glad you are getting help from the anti-depressants and conseling. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of.
This is something I haven’t talked about on my blog yet. I’m not even sure why. The sad thing is that you never hear someone with diabetes apologizing or feeling bad that they have to take their medicine. So why do we sometimes have to feel bad when we need medication? The truth is that while depression is such an emotional and personal thing it is also a medical condition and should be treated that way. I am so glad you are doing better! I have so been there!
No you are not alone! I too am on anti-depressant with counseling. I felt much like you did, falling, falling, falling and failing, failing, failing, into a downward spiral beyond my control.
I still have tough days, tough weeks, but they are getting better.
No, you are not alone, in thinking that others might judge you, some do, most don’t. As my counselor would say – “Your not having them over for Thanksgiving dinner are you?” the answer in most cases is NO! So why should it matter what “they” say, think or do in regards to my depression. But somehow, for some reason it does matter often, it is one of the things that keeps us from seeking help when we need it the most. I know I fought the stigma and the stinkin thinkin that went along with it for awhile, until I could bear it no longer. My family was suffering I was suffering – badly.
I’m glad you reached out and got the help you needed and that you continue with that help for as long as necessary. It’s so important for YOU and your family.
Be well – please always know – you are not alone!
I’m sorry you have had to go through such a rough time, but am very glad that you are getting the help you need. As you mentioned in your other post, talking about it can help tremendously, however, it can also open you up to much criticism, so I know why you were reluctant. My family (who no longer has anything to do with me for SEVERAL reasons) was extremely negative towards my seeking couseling and taking medication… they only wanted me to read the bible and pray. While I do believe that God helped me a lot and still does during my (ongoing) recovery, depression is many times caused by a chemical inbalance in the brain which can ONLY be treated by a physician and with medication.
Please know that anytime you want to talk, you have lots of people willing to listen or discus things with you, I am one of them. 🙂
I had an awful yr last yr and honestly I havent a clue how i climbed out a few ideas but nothing solid to say do this and do tht it ‘ll get better. HUGS
Glad your doing betteer to
I think I’m staying in the house today this is the 6 blog that I’ve been the 13 commenter on 🙁