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hiddenmuseWhat it's like to suffer from depression, or how to help someone that's going through depression.
I have a feeling that like snowflakes and human DNA, the Depressive Experience is different for anyone that's been through it. What worked (or is working) for one person, or group of people, may not work for others.
When it comes to treatment, for some, they can get through their depression by talk therapy (psychotherapy) alone. Some need to be on antidepressants for several months to a year. Others may need to be on antidepressants for the rest of their lives. And in extreme instances, there are people that need to be hospitalized and/or undergo ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy/Shock Therapy).
Some experience depression that seems to malinger after the loss of a loved one, and go into therapy or onto antidepressants. Some of us have episodes of depression throughout our lives, often sporadic, but bad enough to merit treatment.
Being around us can be confounding, because one person may crave human contact while going through a bout of depression, while someone else may prefer to keep things bottled up, not wanting to bother others with their problems. So, as you can guess, what works splendidly for one person, may not work for another.
I'd love to say "I need X, Y and Z" to help me get through this dark time. Truth be told, I don't know what I need or want to help me get through my dark times. Some days, I may want to be around others, hear that I'm not alone. Other days, I just want to hide away from everyone and not depress them with my being depressed. So forgive me if I seem inaccessible or standoffish.
Just as you're trying to figure out what to make of your depressive friend/ loved one, we're trying to figure out what works best for us - all the while, dealing with those feelings of guilt, shame, anger and frustration that go along with depression.
All we ask is that you be yourself - don't change that. If we loved you for it before the depression surfaced, going through the depression shouldn't affect it. If we start talking negatively about ourselves, and your words don't seem to affect us - that's the depression talking.
For those of us on antidepressants, we're on them because we *have to* be on them. This wasn't a cop-out, or a way to avoid dealing with those nasty things called "emotions". Any possible option has been exhausted, and if drugs can help us manage the day-to-day, then that's what is called for. And give us a few weeks to adjust to the medication - don't expect a complete turnaround in mood overnight.
Hopefully this can begin to scratch the surface. At least I can say that I've tried.
Love,
Carly
I have a feeling that like snowflakes and human DNA, the Depressive Experience is different for anyone that's been through it. What worked (or is working) for one person, or group of people, may not work for others.
When it comes to treatment, for some, they can get through their depression by talk therapy (psychotherapy) alone. Some need to be on antidepressants for several months to a year. Others may need to be on antidepressants for the rest of their lives. And in extreme instances, there are people that need to be hospitalized and/or undergo ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy/Shock Therapy).
Some experience depression that seems to malinger after the loss of a loved one, and go into therapy or onto antidepressants. Some of us have episodes of depression throughout our lives, often sporadic, but bad enough to merit treatment.
Being around us can be confounding, because one person may crave human contact while going through a bout of depression, while someone else may prefer to keep things bottled up, not wanting to bother others with their problems. So, as you can guess, what works splendidly for one person, may not work for another.
I'd love to say "I need X, Y and Z" to help me get through this dark time. Truth be told, I don't know what I need or want to help me get through my dark times. Some days, I may want to be around others, hear that I'm not alone. Other days, I just want to hide away from everyone and not depress them with my being depressed. So forgive me if I seem inaccessible or standoffish.
Just as you're trying to figure out what to make of your depressive friend/ loved one, we're trying to figure out what works best for us - all the while, dealing with those feelings of guilt, shame, anger and frustration that go along with depression.
All we ask is that you be yourself - don't change that. If we loved you for it before the depression surfaced, going through the depression shouldn't affect it. If we start talking negatively about ourselves, and your words don't seem to affect us - that's the depression talking.
For those of us on antidepressants, we're on them because we *have to* be on them. This wasn't a cop-out, or a way to avoid dealing with those nasty things called "emotions". Any possible option has been exhausted, and if drugs can help us manage the day-to-day, then that's what is called for. And give us a few weeks to adjust to the medication - don't expect a complete turnaround in mood overnight.
Hopefully this can begin to scratch the surface. At least I can say that I've tried.
Love,
Carly
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no subject
Date: 2003-03-12 08:39 pm (UTC)i love you.