bhelliom
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Depression 101
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Jun 26 15:29 UTC 2002 |
This item is to discuss the feeling you get
when you start to mistake the Bummed item
for the Happy item, when your occasional
down feelings become DANGEROUSLY commonplace.
Depression affects everyone in our respective communities in different
ways. It is a subject that is only beginning to receive due attention
in open media, but remains a topic that is riddled with myths and
misconceptions and the stigma attached to this treatable illness is one
of the most common reasons why it is a hard issue for many to confront.
"Depression 101" is exactly what it sounds like. An intro to a
discussion with many twists and turns, tangents and subtopics. It is
for those like myself who are just beginning to uncover the surface of
this problem, whether this is the first encounter or a lifelong
struggle, as well as those who can (and do!) look on their experiences
in a different way, having come out on the other side. Of course this
is also for those who are close to someone struggling with Depression
and for those who are simply interested in learning more.
Personal stories, questions regarding the illness, finding a therapist,
impact on close friends and family . . . we can all discuss it here.
This is also intended to be a safe place for those who are dealing with
this and want support. Though no one here is a trained professional,
those that are willing can certainly help steer someone in the right
direction. This also means, of course that it would be appreciated if
those that participate be sensitive to those who choose to share. It
doesn't mean that humor is not appreciated, it means *be an adult*.
Anything goes folks . . . let's make this a great discussion!
<Upon conf. turnover, you can find this item in Inferno, the resident
Psyche conference. Should you wish to wait until turnover when this
item is less visible to post personal words, feel free to access the
item at that time.>
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jaklumen
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response 3 of 170:
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Jun 27 05:45 UTC 2002 |
I remember there being a depression item in spring Agora.
The item in recovery is about mental illness in general. It would be
wonderful to link this item since depression seems to be one of the
more common ones. *chuckle* cmcgee, I guess it's your turn to bug
Walter (i). I got a very nice e-mail from him, and he stopped
responding after that.
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clees
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response 4 of 170:
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Jun 27 06:26 UTC 2002 |
There definitely is still a stigma on depression.
Many people respond to your situation with the remark: 'get a grip.'
Like it's easy. Even my twin had the nerve to say something similar to
me in 1996-97, when I had my depression. Harsh, no?
The way I dealt with the problem was, as it was so clear to notice, not
to hide the fact I was in therapy, but be open about it.
Eventually I discovered one of the reasons for the depression: my worse
than bad relationship withg my father, whom had committed suicide in
1991. My therapist managed to make me get to terms with it. She did
this by merely nudging me in the right direction.
I believe that depression in general increases.
I have got the impression that the demands society puts on individuals
is growing. Life nowadays is much more complex than it was, say fifty
years ago. I have been discussing this idea with my own therapist
(behavioral therapy, not an analyst), and she concurred.
See, depression happens a lot among people of my own generation (30+).
I fear that the generation coming after me (20+) is subject to even
more strong demands.
For instance, keeping and maintaining a relationship is harder
nowadays. The partners not only desire a sensitivity, loyalty,
intelligence, wit, care etc, but also good providership and excellent
bed performance. It's quite a lot to answer to, and it's only one thing.
Concluding I'll be the last to have an opinion on depression. I know
how hard it is to cope with it. Anybody I care about can count on my
(mental) support / empathy.
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