Hi everyone,
New guy here from Perth. I'm not someone who's stupid enough to pretend I'm "fine", however I came here more with the intention of trying to support others than seeking my own personal support network (and I'm aware how risibly self-congratulatory that may sound).
To cut a long story short, I've grown up with the classic triumvirate of anxiety/ADHD/depression. It's been hell, but it's also given me some wonderful insights that may be of use to some good folk on this forum. Whatever the case, I've more or less made peace with the fact that the whole triple-whammy swirls around in its own mash-up of pandemonium, and is almost impossible to diagnose exactly what causes what. Not the end of the world.
I've also realised that (and I think I can make this observation without a shred of negativity) that while cognitive behavioural therapy/modern psychotherapy is always a positive step and can be incredibly effective for some people, it hasn't been sufficient in my case, and that merely "thinking positively" or "changing your thoughts" doesn't quite cut it.
Such therapy has a tendency to pathologise afflictions, and what we often refer to as "clinical depression" can actually be more of a situational dilemma. Biased belief systems, genetic predispositions, and clouded cognitive distortions aside, I don't think (generally speaking) that enough effort is being made to understand how the depressed person struggles contextually in their lives.
That doesn't necessarily guarantee the solution to the problem becomes any more lucid or that people can excuse themselves for taking responsibility for their plight. Which is why I still see my existentialist-loving psychotherapist (who looks like a hobbit crossed with a grey-haired rocker) the same way that I maintain a brutal gym regime, meditate, and eat healthily.
However, I think it's ok to come to terms with depression as something that surfaces for a reason, or a warning sign that we're not on the right path. Finding that path may be especially tricky for those of us with comorbid ailments that compound the problem at every turn. Still, we do what we can, right?
I've now reached the stage where I ask myself three questions: 1) What am I doing to (at least try and) improve my situation? 2) Is my current plan of attack mitigating or perpetuating the mess? 3) Even if I am temporarily perpetuating the mess, could that lead to long-term progress or a blessed opportunity?
Peace,
Michael 🙂
