Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Bird25 09/11/2018

Second day of this depressive episode. Someone said “depressive episode” yesterday to me and it was comforting. Like there would be an end to this. I’m an old hand on depression. Many years of episodes. Even when I was little. This episode has been creeping up on me for about six weeks. (My doc knows...I see him soon.)

Today I just wanted to sleep and sleep...sleep it away. Which in my experience never works. Have to get up. Get outside if possible. “That first cup of coffee is an act of courage.” Can’t remember who said that first. But is so true. Just staggering around. But upright. Which is good.

I have a vast toolbox of skills. Have to remember that.

But I’m scared. It’s a bunker feeling. Like I’m in a bunker in the BLITZ in London and being blitzed.

Can anyone say anything nice to me? Who gets this.

rosecandy 09/11/2018

I think "depressive episode" is more fitting, too, because it separates the person from the illness. You're not depression, you're a person who is going through it at the moment. Just like we don't say, "I'm the flu," or, "I'm diabetes." We say, "I have the flu," "I have diabetes." Does that make sense?

I hope you can find some support here. You've got me, in any case. It sounds like you've pulled yourself out of this a time or two before and I have faith you can do it again. Talking about it helps, even if you just do it here.

You're right. Getting up to face the day even when you feel like absolute hell IS an act of courage. It's the act of a warrior.

Thanks for being here today.

patti22 09/11/2018

I like that phrase. Thank you for sharing.

lexiterri 09/11/2018

I had never heard of "the first cup of coffee is an act of courage". I think that is a beautiful and uplifting way of looking at it. I know that at least to me, getting up sometimes seems nearly impossible. So thank you for that. I'll always remember it

momonthego2019 09/17/2018

Whatever you need to get you going sounds good to me. It could be a cup of coffee, a hot shower, a good run, etc. Just do whatever is necessary to keep yourself moving forward.

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