Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Depression and Me -The Update

A few months ago, I wrote about my struggle with depression. At the time I was going through a very bad episode. Time has since passed, and even though my emotional state is still a rollercoaster, I have my good days and my bad. But at least I have control over them (emotions). And I am continuing my therapy and my meds. One of my fellow bloggers, Israel Carrasco suggested I go the the "natural/herbal" route, which I actually did try! But while he was successful, I was not. Nevertheless, I'm grateful and appreciative for his suggestions.

A few things I've learned while on this Depression and Me world tour:

You can't "cure" depression, but you can manage it.
There IS a tomorrow contrary to what Apollo Creed tells Rocky Balboa.
Some people treat you like a leper once they find out you're "sick".
Friends and family will get tired of your "sickness" and ask you to snap out of it.
Laughter really is the best medicine.
Life is pretty great, even when you've fallen in the "black hole" that is your own personal hell.

I have more, but that will do for now.

Now go out and make someone laugh!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah same goes for my trichotillomania, I have my good days and my bad days.

http://theadorkableditzmissteps.blogspot.com/

Belle said...

Black Hole is a good way to describe it. Unless someone has gone through it, it is hard to comprehend. Years ago, my family did get upset with me, but they understand now. And yes, you can learn to control it.
Good post Yvonne. You are such a great woman.

jdracecar said...

I really like what you have to say about it, its so common but people act like they don't understand it or they are so afraid of it. I commend you for taking good care of yourself. My sister tried the natural, supplement route and was successful, I tried and also couldn't stay on it because of other health issues interfering. Stay positive and absolutely do things that make you laugh!

Shady Del Knight said...

I find that sharing humor as I have been trying to do lately helps to get you "up out of your stuff" for a while. It also helps me because I'm in the same boat, having endured crippling bouts of depression all through life. Laughter is a potent weapon in the battle against depression so why not use it as often as possible?

SB said...

I was under depression too. I know how you feel. My remedy was moving here. Since I am a very visual and imaginatively stimulated person.LOL i was advised by my parents to just MOVE. So i did. and it was the best thing.. course it was easier when i didnt have anything to lose.

But. Its hard somedays. Although i dont make it apparent. ive learned to control it also...its hard to be happy with just myself though. I was born to be loved and have someone to hold :( thats my ultimate cure for Depression.

SB said...

Yvonne. I love your blog and i love you . Big hug.

Average Girl said...

Yvonne.... i am so sorry you suffer from depression, i suffer from a mild version related to my chronic pain. It's such a difficult thing to get out of. *HUGS* to you!

Yvonne said...

Adorkable - I had to look your condition up! lol Wow, what a heavy burden for you to carry. I wish more good days than bad for you sweets!

JD-Thanks so much! Yes, it's a daily battle with yourself that's for sure!

Shady - Your comments and banter make me laugh all the time! Well except when you're being serious, but even then, you manage to slip a funneh in! Thanks for that!

LD -Wow, how brave you are for getting up and moving somewhere else. I thought about doing that once but I didn't do it. Mostly because I felt I would be running away from issues that I needed to deal with. But also, because I was scared. Good for you for being brave and doing what you had to do to get better. Thanks for loving my blog and me! lol Right back at ya!

AG -Thank you for your words! Hope things are better for you also!

Yvonne said...

Belle - Your words made my day! Thank you!

ISRAEL CARRASCO said...

I have the same struggle and I know what hell it can be but you are right, if you look for humor in the darkness you will find it.

Sandra said...

I can't imagine, but I can sympathize, and admire that you speak about it!

Azara said...

I also have depression and anxiety and writing/blogging helps as well. Just another tool to keep some stability.

Steph said...

I suffer from anxiety, but that's nothing compared to depression. I like what you say that it can't be cured, but can be managed. One of my favorite books on the topic is William Styron's, Darkness Visible. What an evocation of what he went through.

cathy jones said...

I work in mental health, and see prejudice and fear all around me. Your insight is remarkable. Don't give up, there are those of us who truly do understand.

And yes, laughter is the best medicine. :D

Yvonne said...

Azara- Exactly!

Stephanie- Thanks, I'm going to check the book out.

Cathy- Thank you! It feels good when someone says they "understand" :)

Chapter 56

The sunlight peeping through the curtains, stir her from her sleep.  Her eyes open and she rubs them a bit before sitting up in bed.  Eyes n...