I've just realised why I'm finding it hard to get going with this blog; I haven't introduced me yet.
I’m a 37 year old woman living on the west coast of Scotland and was officially diagnosed with clinical depression back in 2007. Before that day, I had no idea why I sometimes struggled in social occasions or had crashing black and angry episodes. Since that day, I understand much more about why I function in the way that I do. Although that doesn’t always make it easier.
I suppose the main reason for writing this blog is that I hope it helps someone. In the UK the word ‘depression’ still has a terrible stigma attached to it, even in this era of rehab and self-help. People regard it as an illness of weakness, something you’ll get over if you put in a bit of effort. When I finally overcame my own shame and tentatively started telling friends about my depression, I was amazed at how many of them had partners, spouses, friends, siblings who also suffered and they seemed almost grateful to talk openly about it. What a difference it would make if people talked more and judged less.
I certainly don’t profess to know all there is about depression. At this early stage I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be writing about, how much ‘personal’ information I’ll share with you. Hey, I’ll just write; share my own experiences with all the mistakes and presumptions that come from that.
Hello Grumpy "Old" Woman,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of depression blogging! I'm pretty new to it as well, but it has been very rewarding for me so far.
My experience is somewhat similar to yours, gradually as I started to open up to people about my depression, I was surprised to know how many of them had suffered from it, or knew people who had. I agree that we would be a lot better off if people talked more (preferably truthfully) and judged less.
I'm looking forward to your future posts!
Hi Depressed Reader
ReplyDeleteYou've really made my day, thank you. I'm going through the most awful depressive episode I feel like I'm sitting in a black hole. And then I saw your post, like a friendly hand out of the gloom. Thank you.
Hi GW,
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome! I know the feeling of sitting in that black hole. It is awful, and especially bad because of the isolation that comes along with it.
I think blogs can be a really great way for those of us who suffer from a mental illness, whatever it may be, to get in contact with each other and help each other through the bad times. So, keep posting and I'll keep reading!
--TDR