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.
Hi all,
I figured it might be worth having a thread to share your experiences about what got you through the hardest and worst times of dealing with the depression.
For myself, when I was at my worst, I had to spend a lot of time on my own and escaped into movies or video games a lot. Just do whatever helped me stay as busy as possible and at the same time helped me feel some sort of peace. Then finding the right people to talk to or using online support places like yahoo chat rooms for example. Also, making a choice of going to hospital. I did need to spend days just in bed at times, yet as long as I could eat and drink it helped get me through it. The key was being was in doing the best to be kind to myself and eventually not feeling guilty about it.
At times I also found it really helpful to draw and write.
Any one else have anything to share?
I figured it might be worth having a thread to share your experiences about what got you through the hardest and worst times of dealing with the depression.
For myself, when I was at my worst, I had to spend a lot of time on my own and escaped into movies or video games a lot. Just do whatever helped me stay as busy as possible and at the same time helped me feel some sort of peace. Then finding the right people to talk to or using online support places like yahoo chat rooms for example. Also, making a choice of going to hospital. I did need to spend days just in bed at times, yet as long as I could eat and drink it helped get me through it. The key was being was in doing the best to be kind to myself and eventually not feeling guilty about it.
At times I also found it really helpful to draw and write.
Any one else have anything to share?
Just to add - the reason why I've found isolation useful in the past is because, although it can be a danger it's been worse being out and around people who have no clue what you're going through and make nasty comments on your appearance or the way you act. That can do much more harm at times. I feel more at peace alone when that happens.
If people want to elaborate more on what they find helpful, that'd be great - also if it was when you felt better that you went and did things or whether you did things at your worst to get better.
Thanks all!
It's been a progression, trying slowly to get back to doing things I adore (cooking, getting outdoors & being active, drawing, painting, antiquing & junking, socializing), and it's all worked.
It all still works (in conjunction with the help of good friends, and taking my medication).
I consider myself very fortunate.
To get through them, I am not hesitant to say I pamper myself, the best that I can under the circumstances. And pampering, for me, is basically going easy on myself, mentally. I take longer on my hair and clothes, take myself on little dates, maybe go "window shopping" on e-bay, do girlie stuff to make myself feel better and more worthwhile.
There ARE still days where I sleep MUCH too long, and I want to taper those off and get back into life more, as I am able.
Not QUITE there, yet, but it is happening.
Recognizing yourself as a patient, who has an illness that is worthy of treatment is one of the biggest steps toward wellness.
When we stop discrimination against ourselves, we will free ourselves from the chains that bind us and become free to draw and write as you do, Lee.
Thank you for your thread. It was educational, as were many of the replies.
hugs-
Sandi
I'm like kriskris in that my boy does it for me. Becoming a Father pulled my head out of my ass faster than anything, I think, ever could have. Something/someone ELSE taking a higher priority than myself has really done it for me.