Introducing myself

[emmalou]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Emma and I'd just like to introduce myself.  I'm not new to depression but I'm pretty new to this website and these kind of forums.   I've just recently been diagnosed with having depression, the 3rd time in my life,  and I think I will probably have to be on anti-depressants for the rest of my life. 

I'm lucky that I have friends and family that can support me but I don't think they fully understand how I feel and I guess that's why I decided to come on to this forum so I could maybe talk to people who truly understand how I feel and what I'm going through.  

Depression is something that I have always had to cope with, in fact I think I was depressed even as far back as my childhood.  I've been on anti-depressants, then off them, then on them again, going back and forth now for most of my adult life and it's taken me until this very year, 2014 to realise, that depression is something that I will have to live with forever.

Has anyone else out there had that same kind of feeling?  That depression will always be with you? 

Today I'm optomistic though as I know that while I have this disease, I can learn to live with it.  Depression can be controlled like any other disease, I can lead a full and happy life if I choose to stay on the right track and get help.  I know I can except who I am and learn to coexist peacefully with this disease. 

Thanks for reading.

[White_Rose]

Hello Emma

Welcome to Beyond Blue.  Glad you have come aboard.

The psychologist I see told me a little while ago that I would have depression for the rest of my life.  It will come and go and I will need to work on managing my life and mental health.  Frankly I was terrified, horrified and yes, depressed.  It was not what I wanted to hear.  I want to know that this can be cured and I can live my life without this thing creeping up on me.

I don't know whether to believe him and go with the flow, or fight and say I will never be depressed again.  Still working it out.  Perhaps I can have both?

I suppose people have illnesses that are chronic but under control as long as the person manages the illness properly.  Things like diabetes, epilepsy, arthritis etc.  I'm not sure I find it very comforting though.  I would prefer it was like the 'flu.  Get it, get over it, get on with life.  Unfortunately I cannot pick and choose what I get.  Mind you, if I could I would choose not to be unwell at all.

Meanwhile I am trying to do the things that make life bearable.  Choosing to stay on track is not always easy I have found.  It takes a great deal of courage and determination.  The problem with depression is that it saps the energy and determination very quickly if you once let it get out of hand.  Like everyone, I suppose, I've been there and done that.  It's a hard road back.

May I suggest that you explore this web site?  There are a great many resources you may find useful.  Some of the literature available is specifically for family and friends to help them understand depression, anxiety and various other mental illnesses.

I hope others who use this web site will also reply to you.  Please keep posting.  I will look forward to your replies.

Regards

White Rose

[white knight]

White Rose makes so much sense.  Welcome Emma. I'm new here too. 

Some people are terrified when they even think they will take pills "for the rest of my life".  Pills.....well I have a view on this- its more like an attitude I've developed.  I take fish oil daily. Its good for sufferers of mental illness (after all I dont know of any polar bears in a psych hospital).  Now if I am going to take fish oil all my life....10 tablets or 1-2 krill oil tablets...what the difference taking 5 or 8 more tablets at the same time?

Yes, it is a fear we can all relate to.  But thems the brakes.  At least we have the technology to mediate our brain to help cope to 'keep our lives in the circle of society'

My sister calls them "happy pills". Her teenage daughters remind her "have you taken your happy pills mum" when she is not herself. Usually she has forgotten them.  Once settled with medication hopefully you will relax more and more.  After all the chemical imbalance just need s a neutraliser to get you back to "normality". You'll be ok. Have faith Emma..

I hope you enjoy this site and 'connect' with others stories.  You are not alone when it comes to family and friends not understanding.  I believe only 2 of all my friends have understood...the rest think its just a sad period in my life.

I dont even start to educate them I'm afraid. 

White knight

[Guest_3712]

Hi  Emmalou,

sorry I missed this post and a belated welcome to you

You have a positive attitude and I'm sure will have lots of experiences to relate to and to share with others on BB

thanks for your reply to my post earlier and

be kind to yourself

Stressless