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.
I posted this in the bipolar forum and will put it in my journal too:
Right now I'm going thru a paradigm shift. New diagnosis, new treatment, a shift in the way I look at my future and prognosis, a shift in the dynamics of my close relationships around me. A reevaluating of how i treat myself.
In yoga today, we were talking about resurrection as a paradigm shift and letting the changes SPRING forth (since it is the spring season). Asking questions about what things in your life need to change, but knowing that its ok to not know the answer, but just letting those changes spring forth and going with the flow. Its creating a lot of upheaval for me right now, but maybe thats because I'm trying to fight it so much.
My therapist told me to think about the things that are changing and evaluate if they were working before. If they weren't then maybe the changes are a good thing, but it takes time to get all of that sorted out.
Anyone else go thru major life changes and paradigm shifts on their way to recovery?
Right now I'm going thru a paradigm shift. New diagnosis, new treatment, a shift in the way I look at my future and prognosis, a shift in the dynamics of my close relationships around me. A reevaluating of how i treat myself.
In yoga today, we were talking about resurrection as a paradigm shift and letting the changes SPRING forth (since it is the spring season). Asking questions about what things in your life need to change, but knowing that its ok to not know the answer, but just letting those changes spring forth and going with the flow. Its creating a lot of upheaval for me right now, but maybe thats because I'm trying to fight it so much.
My therapist told me to think about the things that are changing and evaluate if they were working before. If they weren't then maybe the changes are a good thing, but it takes time to get all of that sorted out.
Anyone else go thru major life changes and paradigm shifts on their way to recovery?
My therapist would completely agree with what yours has said, that is, if things you were doing weren't working out for you, you need to take the time to sort out what has worked, and now with the new diagnosis, what may work.
This may come out as a deeper depression, as your poem indicates. Or it may be anxiety, or anger, or loneliness. So many different emotions, and likely not just one as emotions rarely occur one at a time. More likely you are feeling multiple things right now, again as your poem indicates.
The emotions coming out are good, as per my therapist. They are trying to show you where you are hurting, what isn't or hasn't been working, and may even help point you in the direction of how to help yourself now.
A new diagnosis, an additional burden to deal with is definitely difficult. But you have persevered so far, and have made it. So take the time for this new change to soak in. Get used to how it feels and IF you think your therapist is right with the BP2. Maybe you may come to the conclusion that this isn't really you, and that you are just depressed. Even those of us who are depressed have "good" days when we have energy and can get many things done, usually surprising ourselves in the process.
So try out this new diagnosis. Take it for a spin around the block, but don't just flat out accept it if YOU feel it may not be right.
IF it is correct, and you can see it in your past behavior, then, hurrah! With this new information you will be able to change medications, if you are taking them, see how the new "you" operates, and learn new coping mechanisms.
This is not an ending, but rather a new beginning, in that if the new diagnosis is correct, you will be able to deal with your life from a new perspective, a more accurate perspective, and so will be able to improve your life.
Take heart, my friend, and look forward to an improved life due to a greater understanding of what you are dealing with.
Take care~BB