No Shame In A Journey

[Embrace_Blue]

Hello all, I have been reading through some threads, reading about people who have conquered depression, and those who are still in its grip. My heart goes out to you all; you are never alone. My depression started when I was young - 6 years old. Twenty years later, I can finally say that I am not ashamed of my journey or my story, as it lead me here. To a better place. With hope and lightness. With a fiancé, hyperactive tabby kitten and a herb garden. It wasn't an easy journey; it never is. There were days when I felt I had a cannon ball attached to my ankles in the raging sea, fighting to stay afloat. It was difficult to survive every day with no sense of purpose, identification or connection. But I'm finally at a point in my life where I can say "everything happens for a reason", and there's no shame in my journey. There is no shame in a tale of survival. It is mighty and courageous. I feel a sense of responsibility to reassure people who suffer with Depression that life can be good again. Because, when I was at my worst, the numbness and emptiness consumed any hope of getting better. But gradually, my universe started shifting; the grip of Depression started to loosen; the sunlight streaked through cracked walls in my mind. With the love and support of those around me, finally, I can stand here 20 years later and say "I survived Depression".

[Starwolf]

Good to meet you Embrace Blue.

Thank you so much for sharing those inspiring thoughts with us. You are so right, there is no shame in a journey that shows nothing but courage and determination against the odds.

I am infinitely grateful for threads like yours because those of us who have made it through and own their personal journey with pride don't often post around these forums. They just get on with their life. Because the forums exist before all else to give a voice to silent suffering, it would be easy for members to assume and accept that pain without hope is what mental illness is all about.

I'm with you EB, those who struggle valiantly with distress and difficulties unknown to many others are indeed worthy of respect and admiration. Rising above the stigma (often self-imposed) attached to an illness intent on dragging us backwards into pits of despair is no mean achievement.

Thank you for spreading much needed hope.

[MsPurple]

Hi Embrace Blues

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your story. There is no shame having a mental illness. It is something that can be managed and for me I have learned so much about myself in my journey to good mental health. I also believe that 'everything happens for a reason'. I was so dissapointed and shatter that I didn't get a job I applied for but know I know it was because i was meant to get the job I am in know. That's just one example.

Welcome to the forums. Feel free to go onto other threads and join the community. It would be great to see you pop in every know and again

[BballJ]

Hi Embrace Blue,

Amazing.. amazing... amazing post. I love when people post these on the forums. They really do help and someone who is in the midst of bad depression, I hope they read this and see you can survive depression or any mental illness. The battle is long but the reward is so worth it.... those 3 little words "I Survived Depression" are just amazing and I really do hope more people can use them on these forums more.

Please continue to post, I think your experiences and advice will be priceless for many people.

My best for you,

Jay