Apologising for behaviour

[Eddie6]

I was just wondering if there if anyone has ever apologised for their behaviour while they were depressed or dealing with other mental health issues? 

I'm in the middle of honours year and felt depressed for the first 5 months of it. As a result I haven't been social with my lab, who are a very welcoming group of people, I haven't been contributing to lab meetings, I've been missing them often, or showing up late. Occasionally, I feel like I've let depression affect my behaviour so that I've made curmudgeonly comments in discussions, and I'm embarrassed by my behaviour. 

To make matters worse, I switched universities to be part of this lab because I'm really interested in the research they do, and feel like I've brought a negative attitude to the environment. I'm no longer feeling depressed, and have some energy back. I would really like to turn things around become a contributing member of the lab, but I feel like I've already put myself in a particular role, and I don't know how easy it will be to change it. 

I was thinking about apologising to my supervisor for missing meetings as a start, and telling him that I'm feeling much better mentally, because he was aware that I was feeling unwell at the start of this project. 

Has anyone else dealt with this type of thing?

[MrsCam]

just go into the next meeting with a smile and try being a little more upbeat, which should come easily if you are feeling better within yourself.. I dont think an apology is really necessary and as you said your supervisor knows of your struggle so an explanation is not really needed either...

goodluck

[white knight]

Hi Eddie6,  welcome.

MrsCam was spot on. I've apologised in the past to a group and for reasons one must ask those who did it why my apology wasnt accepted. Cruel it was. Heartbreaking for me. Mind you had I had a broken leg and apologised for not being able to walk across the class floor it would be different.

Apology is good when it does you good, lightens the load from your burden, but humans are strange, they take advantage of it often, they also can categorise you, pidgeon hole you into a place other than "normal"

Sad as it be. Society went through race discrimination a few centuries ago and we are still going through it. Same with sex discrimination. So non discrimination against mental illness sufferers has only just started in regards to time.

If your grandchild was going through this in 2060 I'd say yes, go ahead and apologise. He or she might by then have a similar group that will automatically accept it with a little support.

Until those times come about prove your new worth with an improved response. Also showing appreciation for future efforts of assistance goes down well too.

[Hayley]

Hi Eddie6,

Yes I have felt the urge to apologise for my behavior relating to my depression and anxiety in the past. Apologise if you feel its warranted unless just think tomorrow is another day another opportunity to be happier and start over. Do and say what you feel comfortable with in regards to your supervisor and remember you don't have to say anything you don't feel comfortable in saying. Listen to your wise mind, try and take emotion out of the equation as hard as that is and listen to what wise mind is telling you.

Goodluck Eddie6