Depression Part Deux

I've seen a couple of things written about here at PaganSpace depression that trouble me a little bit. I mean no disrespect to anyone, and I'm not a licensed anything, but I have lived with depression most of my life.

Please do not confuse 'the blues', or being down in the dumps, or depressed about one certain thing with clinical depression. This is a very real disease. No amount of positive thinking or trying harder will make it go away. We wouldn't think to say "Stop having that heart attack." Or, "If you just try harder you can mend that broken leg."

I guess what I want to say is - reach out and ask for help. Find a Doctor you trust. If you don't like the first therapist find another. Educate yourself - and don't just use the net. Talk to friends. Talk to ME. I've lost far to many people to this and other "mental" diseases. I'm surprise to find there is still a stigma about these even among pagans. We who embrace everyone under the sun and moon still find it hard to say, "I'm bipolar," or "I have depression."

I'm not advocating giving into it. I'm not talking about people who love and live for intrigue and drama. I'm saying fight this every way you know how. I'm saying don't be ashamed. I've long believed there is a find line between so-called mental disorders and truly talented, brilliant people. A quick search of Wikipedia brings page after page of accomplished people affected by depression and bi-polar. (Not that I'd use Wikipedia as my only source, lol.) I would think especially among pagans and empaths depression would be particularly extensive by virtue of the fact that we're so tuned in to the earth and other entities that roam here with us. As an empath, or highly sensitive person, I have just recently learned to distinguish a feeling that is mine versus coming from someone/thing else.

Again, I mean no harm or disrespect. I hope I explained myself clearly. Having lost my brother to bi-polar disease this is a cause that's very dear to me. So again I say, reach out. There is help out there. And I am here if I can be of help. We need to educate and embrace our differently wired brains! And yes, laughter really does help. Smile. Even a fake smile will make you feel better. Try it!

In Her Service
Faeth

Tags: depression

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chalice on June 18, 2008 at 4:19pm: Faeth, you are so right. As a bi-polar (diagnosed 9 yrs ago) I have been up...down...and most certainly sideways. Depression is a horrible illness but it can be treated and well managed it just takes a great deal of work.

I'm sorry you lost your brother to the disease and I say with you to others out there...Reach Out...Ask Questions even is you aren't ready to ask for help.

Blessings, Chalice; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Faeth Gale on June 18, 2008 at 4:23pm: Perfectly, beautifully said. I wonder, is there a group here on PaganSpace for people with depression/bi-polar? Does any one have an interest in joining one? Let me know if there is. Blessings, Faeth; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kateet on June 26, 2008 at 6:34am: Yes, there is a group called Depression, although not many people visit it these days. I had just posted there last Friday and hadn't received a response yet. I asked the same question as Mismyname just asked, how do you know the difference? How do you know if you have the blues or depression. (mind you without a proper diagnosis from a licenced M.D.); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Faeth Gale on June 26, 2008 at 7:00am: Blessings Kateet! I responed below Mismyname. I hope this helps. Everything said there goes for you as well, I didn't want you to think I'd missed you. Be Well. ~In Her Service; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chalice on June 18, 2008 at 10:23pm: I'd be there with you in a group, it can be very helpful. Let me know if you want any help.

Namaste', Chalice; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Faeth Gale on June 18, 2008 at 10:32pm: Thanks! Sounds good. Although at this point it looks like you and me, lol. I almost hate to say I'm sorry you're bi-polar. You know what I mean? I can't know exactly the struggles you have as I'm not bi-polar, but my brother was and my sister is. My fiance it as well. And again, I don't mean to make light of it at all, but ya'll are fascinating, creative, strong and powerful people. Especially if you can have a good support system in place. So while I hate the rotten crap (such a lady I am, lol) you have to go through it's part of you and helps to make you who you are. I want you to know, because I was remiss before, I loved what you posted. I'll keep you in my thoughts and am sending Blessings to you.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chalice on June 20, 2008 at 3:59pm: Oh Sweet Sister...being Bi-Polar is just another thing that makes me...well...me. I am a unique creature that plays hard with the hand I have been dealt. I take care of my mental "illness" the same way I take care of my physical "illnesses" with humor and as much serious thought as the moment requires and I googled the hell out of the word once it was attached to me. I'm not sure I would have it any other way. I also have a husband, kids and friends that get me and help me see when I am unable to do so. Blessing to you!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mismyname on June 26, 2008 at 2:50am: How do you know if your depressed and not just feeling blue or down in the dumps?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Faeth Gale on June 26, 2008 at 6:57am: Honestly, the best thing to do is see your doctor. However, if you've lost interest in things you usually like to do; if you feel like nothing will ever get better; sleeping a lot or not much; some people have actual aches and pains and diarrhea or constipation, headaches; getting annoyed or angry more easily; having a hard time concentrating and/or remembering; not having energy, or having so much energy you feel as though you'll burst are a few. And they last. Not just a few days. It may ebb and flow, but generally these feelings and physical symptoms don't go away. There are lots of websites that have good information about depression/bi-polar, but be sure to go to a reputable one like WebMD. (I have no affilation with them.) If you are depressed - keep going. There IS help. Find a therapist. If you hate the first one, try somewhere else. Not all are created equal. Enlist someone who knows you well, if you start taking meds, to help you monitor how you're doing. Keep in mind different meds work differently for different people. I can't take Prozac. (I didn't want to kill myself. I just thought I should turn on my oven and get in. The only thing that stopped me was I couldn't find a roasting pan big enough to fit in. And yes, I actually laugh about it now.) Conversely, Prozac saved one of my best friend's life. She said she knew she need help when, after cleaning a toilet in her home, her youngest son had to pee and she yelled at him. For peeing. In a toilet. Where it belongs. She's off Prozac and doesn't need to take any anti-depression meds now. I'll probably have to be on them the rest of my life. And that's fine with me. I consider the alternative. I hope this wasn't too wordy or too much information. And I truly hope you're doing well. If you are depressed - get help. And know that I'll do what I can to help you, too. Blessings to you! ~In Her Service; ▶ Reply to This