I've been debating writing this post for several days. I know it can be a touchy subject and I don't want to be insensitive to those of you reading this who are struggling with depression in any of it's forms. Please know that I've given this a LOT of thought and feel like it is worth talking about. Please also know that my intentions are pure and I mean no ill-will.
We have all had times in our lives when we've struggled with being depressed about something. It can be caused by any number of reasons which may include a hormonal and/or chemical imbalance, post-partum depression, illness, trauma induced depression, etc. It can be mild or extremely severe and it definitely affects a lot of people.
One of the medications the Dr. is trying me on for my fibromyalgia is an anti-depressant. I have never been on one before and had a very hard time accepting that she thought I needed it. She prescribed it to me because it has been known to help regulate sleep cycles in people with fibromyalgia. After doing a ton of research I finally decided to give it a try. And you know what? It really has helped with regulating my sleep cycles (which have been severely messed up for years).
It has also helped with my mood. I never thought I had "depression". I've known for a long time that I'm struggling with being able to keep everything together. I've known that I am sad a lot and would much rather stay at home than go be with people...and there's more too. But in my mind, that wasn't depression. That was just being overwhelmed. It wasn't until I started taking an anti-depressant and noticed a big difference in how I feel emotionally that I realized/accepted that I really have been struggling with depression.. I never thought I would say this, but I am really glad I'm on it...at least for now.
I'm not saying everyone should run out and ask their Dr.s for depression drugs, all I'm saying is that there is no reason to be embarrassed or self-conscious about it. If anything, be proud of yourself for taking your well-being into your own hands and being pro-active in making your life better!
For those of you who have friends or family struggling with Depression, all I can say is be kind. Love them and support them the best you know how. Don't judge them or treat them like it's their fault. Just love them and know that they are doing the best they can!
"Depression isn't a sign of weakness, it is a sign of being strong for a little too long." I don't know who said it, but I heard it this week from my sister-in-law and really liked it.
9 comments:
Listen, we've all been there at one point or another, as you said. I'm glad your doctor tried this and that you were open to it... after my second baby was born, I was in the same boat. Resistant, but finally accepted and it was as if the gray veil had been lifted from my life. SO glad you're feeling good!
Sarah, you are not alone my dear! All that really matters in the end is YOU feel better and YOUR life runs smoother.
I've suffered off and on since I was a teenager with clincal depression. But as I've got older it definitely shifted to being extremely overwhelmed, all the time.
I'm actually a very happy person, typically upgeat even, but I've been on anti-depressants for years...for anxiety. Technically two I guess, I take one to mellow me out and another at night to help me sleep.
Without them I get so completely overwhelmed and constantly feel like I'm missing something or a shoe is about to drop, or the sky is falling and I can't get anything done, like I'm just spinning my wheels.
I learned long ago, if I FEEL better by taking them and it makes my life run smoother, then I don't really care what anyone else thinks.
I'll care when they come take out the trash for the fifty-billionth time or cook dinner or clean or do laundry or pay the bills or do the yard work or, or, or. ;)
Have a great day!!
I'm so glad that you shared this with us. We're sending you lots of thoughts and prayers!
Your post really resonated with me. I have a 5 month old and a toddler, and for the past two months, I've struggled with being a stay at home mom. I also have fibromyalgia and lie awake in bed for hours thinking. Do you mind me asking what medicine the doctor put you on? I'd like to look into it, too, but I'm nursing, so I'm not sure how that would work. Anyway, thanks for your post; be blessed.
Lori T @ http://www.thetowells.com
Been on an antidepressants for years after the doctor realized I had a chemical imbalance. Wish I had known about this in high school, my last year was not the "fun" year it should have been. I think people are a little more understanding of the term "depression" now than they used to be. It is not always something that you can do anything about or that will go away on it's own. Both of my daughter's had post partum and I encouraged them to get on something just to ease the transition and they are both glad they did. Good luck and remember you are not alone in this....
It's tough to talk about and it's tough to come to terms with. You are definitely not alone, and while that doesn't ease your situation, hopeful it eases your heart a little to know that there are many other people who don't judge you for it. How wonderful that you've found something to help! It's never a bad thing to ask for help. Hugs to you & yours.
Hi Sarah, I want to commend you on being brave enough to write this post. Depression is a physiological problem that affects tons of people, and yet we as a society are still so freaked out by the subject. Posts such as this one help destigmatize depression, and for that I thank you. I have a sister who has struggled off and on with depression, and her medicine has helped her a great deal. She's smart, beautiful, fun, talented, and hardworking -- to someone who doesn't know her, they wouldn't be able to tell that she suffers with this sometimes. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. And again, thanks for posting!
Sarah, thanks for sharing.
As a Fybromyalgia suffer myself I do understand where you are coming from. After several years of not coping took the plunge on an antidepressant. I am glad I did. My life has turned around and the symptoms have considerably lessened and yes, blessed night's sleep, sooo good, makes all the difference. Life is not so overwhelming any-more.
So glad you found your way. Depression should not be something that is taboo. We should be able to have open discussions and find solutions that work for the individual.
Totally agree! It's not for everyone. but some of us have a legit hormone imbalance! The meds are a huge blessing in my life!
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