SelfhelpMagazine Blog

Depression: How to Think about it & What to Do

Posted on 19. Jun, 2008 by SHM Staff.

Dini wrote this in response to someone who looked like she was depressed, but not identifying it in herself:

Hi K…

We "spoke" a few messages ago. I read your post about your classes and work situation and my immediate thought was pretty much the same as Jimmy's; the word depression popped into my head. I've had a major one and lack of caring about things we normally care about, not taking care of ourselves, etc., are some of the symptoms. I've done pretty much what you are describing (except the thesis part). Let us know what you think if you follow Jimmy's suggestion and "google" depression. There is a sort of standard list of symptoms that I'm sure you could find on numerous sites (including this one).

If you are experiencing depression the good news is that it can be treated and managed. I've found therapy and appropriate meds took me from a place of insane, and at times suicidal, depression to much more solid ground (well, at least what passes for solid ground under my feet anyway). And I continue therapy to avoid those places and learn about "triggers" and dealing with them before I start spiraling downward. Insanity is a fascinating place, I'm glad I know where it is (for me), but I'd rather not spend a lot of time visiting. (Don't take that the wrong way; I am not saying you are insane – I was and now have the knowledge that I am perfectly capable of being insane, even did a "walk on" for a short hospital stint of my own volition in a particularly bad patch – while I didn't enjoy the experience of insanity very much, it is handy knowledge to have in hand). I'm also a sober alky which is another form of insanity (the drinking part).

Let us know your thoughts and feelings about it. There are plenty of folks around here who have been through depression – you certainly would not be alone. It's a lot more common than most folks like to let on.

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