Emerging Courageous online Magazine - Stories
Depression and
Me ~
I am a person who deals with depression on a daily basis. It's nothing new
for me, as it's been a part of my life for many years. I expect there must
have been a million books written on the subject. It's not something I
find easy to talk about, even now. Our world may seem progressive, but
there are still many who fight a battle of depression without any understanding
or help. Is is for you that I decided to write this. ~
Clinical Depression is not caused by events, it's caused by a chemical imbalance
and it can be helped with the use of medication for many. I was raised to
think one can overcome anything with a strong mind and will. This is true
for many things, and yet when my depression progressed to Panic/Anxiety Disorder
I knew I needed more help. My resistance to any sort of medication was
strong, but the choices were limited. I'd never taken any sort of
medication. There is still a stigma in our society about having any sort of
"weakness", but if I really think about it, I realize we all have
something to deal with. ~ I don't define myself by my diagnosis, and
I don't use it as an excuse. I have learned much over these years, and
also found understanding and compassion from others who have been there.
There are many kinds of depression, and being depressed about something you can
define is another story. I wanted to share this with you because there is
nothing worse than feeling alone and isolated, and depression can do that to
you. ~ I often stress how important encouragement is, and it really
can make a difference. If you even think you may have depression, or
anything else for that matter, I hope this will make you stop and think that you
don't have to stay trapped. I just want you to know I've been there, and I
am still here doing what I love. Open a window today and let in some fresh
air. You are here for a reason, and you are important. Never forget
that. Shine on......Karen
Karen
Shaw Matteson
© 2002
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Lasting
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