I try to keep things light and humorous, but sometimes that is not possible.  Depression affects us all at some point in our lives.  Some of us more than others and it has once again reared its ugly head in me.  Due to a closed-head injury, depression is something I struggle with on a regular basis.  Often I am successful in digging my way out of my "funk."  Sometimes I need help to come out of it.  And sometimes there is nothing I can do but wait it out, go with the flow and hope nothing bad happens during the ride.

    Part of my form of depression includes violent, explosive panic-attacks.  NOT fun!  (I have been to a therapist and sought treatment and learned how to cope.)  If you have never experienced a panic-attack you can never FULLY understand.  If you have never had a violent panic-attack you couldn't possibly know the amount of hurt, pain, fear and guilt that comes from physically (as well as mentally) hurting yourself and the ones you love from the loss of control.  You can't understand the struggle someone deals with trying to stop themselves, and not being able to, while the struggle compounds the attack and makes it worse.

    A lot of ppl are under the impression that depression means a person is sad, upset, mopey or "down in the dumps."  Although that may be a sign for many, there are many forms of depression.  Some ppl suffer with a smile on their faces.

    There is physical (clinical) depression, where there is something physically wrong as well as mental depression.  (I suffer from the former and therefore am quite responsive to medications, but choose to manage it through diet and exercise.  This is a choice that was made after consulting with my doctor.)  Some ppl deal with laughter, some with tears, some with anger, some with exercise.  Everyone is different and deal with it in their own way.  However, it is nothing to laugh AT.  It is very real to each person and very serious.

    If you know someone going through depression, please, please, PLEASE!!! be as understanding as possible.  Be supportive of what these ppl need, even if what they need is to hurl insults.  (I know this is not fair to the receiver, but sometimes ppl in depression can't help themselves.  This is not an excuse, just an explanation.)  Keep an eye on them to make sure they are safe.  And above all else, whether you think they are listening or not, tell them how much you love and need them.  Sometimes it makes all the difference.  To many it is the support of others, as well as their words, that help someone through these dark times.

    To all those who have helped me, and continue to do so, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Unless you have dealt with this, you will never know what you have done for me.  I am so very lucky to have you for my friends and family.  I can honestly say, I have one of the best support groups someone with depression can have.  Because of that, you are all angels to me.  (Even though you're all still my minions XD)

P.S.  This is not my weekly post, just something I felt needed to get out.
Kathy
12/1/2011 10:18:20 am

I have too suffered with depression, to a degree...medication helped me get to where I needed to take control, and then group therapy and wonderful friends helped me. People came to me that were never really a part of my life just to be there for me...that meant so much to me and so I know what your saying about just showing love and support when needed...and continue when its not...{{{{hugs}}}}

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