Looking into the face of despair

[Salicete]

Depression, that is a tough one...

Sometimes it is a result of what is going on around you; sometimes is is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain, or sometimes by both.

I have never suffered from clinical depression, but a very close family member of mine does. I used to say, "just pull yourself up and snap the hell out of it," but that was unrealistic. Having never suffered from clinical depression, I just didn't get it.

I've since learned to recognize the cycles, and there are distinct cycles to most depression, and if you know what to look for, you can see it coming a long way off. The answer is sometimes medication, or a counselor, or both, and sometimes the depressed just need to retreat into a dark bedroom for a bit.

Everyone is different, and no one approach works for everyone. If you need help, get it, and has been noted, don't be afraid to ask for professional help. It isn't a sign of weakness, after all, one would not try to treat the illnesses of cancer or ulcers on their own , so why would one think it is ok to treat the illness of depression on their own?

One more thing, never gauge your life by the success, perceived happiness, or perfection of another's life, as it just does not matter. Everyone can be equally miserable, and everyone has their own set of crappy circumstances to face. Life pretty much sucks for everyone at times, but if you get the help you may need, you will get past it.

 

[GIBrat51]

I've found that the saying "you never see a bike parked in front of a psychiatrist's office" has quite a bit of truth to it. I've made frequent use of mine over the years, along with "disappear into a good book or movie". Although, I would add "favorite music - fairly loud - played through good headphones" to that. But, other than one emotional breakdown kind of thing, years ago, I've had no experience with anything like clinical depression (I did wind up on the same kind of meds for a while with that little episode, though). I would never presume to say anything about that, other than "Get professional help - real soon". What I usually get is just a mild attack o' the Blues. A long bike ride, and a dose of good book/music has always worked for me. Which, come to think of it, hasn't been needed much since I got divorced... but, music, books, music, and bike rides are still soothing, though...

 

[96tbird]

I feel for all of you that have suffered clinical depression; I have seen friends suffer it many times. It is truly one of humankind's worst maladies. Crippling depression with no discernable reasons why. It just is.

Seems Slobake has very real, concrete reasons to be in a bad mental state though. I'm not a doctor but his doesn't seem to be s chemical imbalance, it's actual serious life situations causing anxiety and despair.

 

[El Güero]

I used to say, "just pull yourself up and snap the hell out of it," but that was unrealistic.

Yep, that's like telling a rock, "You can fly if you want to, just believe in yourself and in no time you'll be up there soaring around with the birds and having the time of your life."

It sounds wonderful and looks swell on paper, but is nowhere close to reality.

 

[lowsideonacurve]

This song has helped me put things in their proper perspective a time or two;

 

[ZenG]

I feel for all of you that have suffered clinical depression; I have seen friends suffer it many times. It is truly one of humankind's worst maladies. Crippling depression with no discernable reasons why. It just is.

Seems Slobake has very real, concrete reasons to be in a bad mental state though. I'm not a doctor but his doesn't seem to be s chemical imbalance, it's actual serious life situations causing anxiety and despair.

I think it all started when people just park anywhere they like around where he lives......