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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Is there truly a dark side of the force/moon?

astrophysic
astrophysic

The answer is YES. Both are cold and inhospitable, like depression. I want to reach out to fellow depressives and say HAVE HOPE! In fact, I am trying to prepare myself for when my depression may intensify as I get older. Life will continue to throw all of us curveballs, so I for one want to swing a better bat!


When I look back to my 20s and 30s and see myself wallowing in my depression- beleagured with despair, anxiety and hopelessness- first I understand why and then I forgive myself. But at the same time I also realize it was not my circumstances that made me depressed, but merely my focus on the past, while simply trudging through the present, and fearing the future! Depression is like trench warfare. Some of us get sick of the trench and jump up into the bullets.


Friends you musn't give up on yourselves. I've only started to learn how to change myself and it's already making results. The depression can remain in the background. Do not depend on others- a spouse, friends, family, or materials- for happiness. The peace is within you, covered up by crap! You CAN remove the crap like old clothes.

PeteMason
PeteMason
"When I look back to my 20s and 30s and see myself wallowing in my depression- beleagured with despair, anxiety and hopelessness- first I understand why and then I forgive myself." You what? You forgive yourself for being legitimately sick? I've suffered depression in the past, I never felt self-forgiving for it, and during therapy it was never suggested that I should be either, so why did you feel the need to?

"Do not depend on others- a spouse, friends, family, or materials- for happiness. The peace is within you, covered up by crap! You CAN remove the crap like old clothes." Well said, spot on. Now tell me, how did you arrive at this conclusion, from personal experience perhaps?
red47640
red47640
I totally agree... life isn't always easy and fun, but how we handle its ups and downs is what defines our character. Very inspiring post :-)
euniceps
euniceps
It's commendable that you haven't Given Up and that you've Kept Hope Alive! However, for others whom can't pull themselves up by their own proverbial 'bootstraps'.......Please talk to a trusted friend or health care professional. You can't fight this on your own--Proverbs 3:5,6
astrophysic
astrophysic
PeteMason: Yes I am speaking from personal experience and that's why I wanted to share it with others. I didn't want to only speak from something I've read.

You also raised an important point I want to clarify, which is I didn't forgive myself for being sick. I forgave myself for weaknesses or procrastination that led to the depression overtaking me. Sometimes we beat up on ourselves for our failures and that exacerbates depression- even triggers it and we get lost.

I also agree with you that it's important to point out we should take counsel from professionals as well as insight from others. I don't expect everyone to agree with what I say, but my intention was to give hope and encouragement in the group.