I have depression. I have had it as long as I can remember. My earliest memory of depression is in the third or fourth grade, but I wasn't diagnosed until the 9th grade. I've been on medication and I've been to therapy. Both are helpful. I am currently on medication. I am still depressed, but I am okay.
Depression doesn't mean sad. It's much more complicated. I am actually a pretty happy person. I have a great family, a loving husband, a wonderful home, a job I love.... I'm not depressed for a reason. It is just who I am. The thing is, I'm okay with who I am. I even like who I am, depression and all.
I have learned to cope with my depression. That's something you learn in therapy: coping mechanisms. For the most part I cope in healthy ways. That hasn't always been true. In the past I have coped in decidedly unhealthy ways, dangerous ways. Luckily I survived and have leaned to identify those unhealthy behaviors that are attempts to cope with depression and to make different choices.
I have found that, for me, self care is one of the most difficult tasks to complete when I'm depressed. I can clean my house top to bottom, but showering or cooking feel nearly impossible. I just have to force myself to do it.
I'm sharing this because it's really stupid that depression and other psychological issues are still considered shameful. I am not weak. I am not broken. I am not ashamed. I would not change what I have experienced. My hardships made me the person I am today and my ongoing fight with depression is just one part of the wonderful, beautiful, complicated person that I am.
If you are depressed and someone shames you. F@*k them. They are just assholes. Take care of yourself. Ask for help when you need help and love the person that you are. You are beautifully and wonderfully made.
Depression doesn't mean sad. It's much more complicated. I am actually a pretty happy person. I have a great family, a loving husband, a wonderful home, a job I love.... I'm not depressed for a reason. It is just who I am. The thing is, I'm okay with who I am. I even like who I am, depression and all.
I have learned to cope with my depression. That's something you learn in therapy: coping mechanisms. For the most part I cope in healthy ways. That hasn't always been true. In the past I have coped in decidedly unhealthy ways, dangerous ways. Luckily I survived and have leaned to identify those unhealthy behaviors that are attempts to cope with depression and to make different choices.
I have found that, for me, self care is one of the most difficult tasks to complete when I'm depressed. I can clean my house top to bottom, but showering or cooking feel nearly impossible. I just have to force myself to do it.
I'm sharing this because it's really stupid that depression and other psychological issues are still considered shameful. I am not weak. I am not broken. I am not ashamed. I would not change what I have experienced. My hardships made me the person I am today and my ongoing fight with depression is just one part of the wonderful, beautiful, complicated person that I am.
If you are depressed and someone shames you. F@*k them. They are just assholes. Take care of yourself. Ask for help when you need help and love the person that you are. You are beautifully and wonderfully made.
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