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Why is it that we love to share many of our highs and lows with people - even strangers - but when it comes to some very important issues we hide away as if they are something to be ashamed of??? Recently someone close to me was diagnosed with depression and anxiety - and the first reaction was fear and shame. But WHY?? This is something that we don't choose for ourselves and yet we struggle to seek help! I have been remiss in my blog visiting because I have been spending my time supporting and helping this person through this very difficult situation. WHY is it soo hard to seek help when this can lead to such despair - or worse?? Do we even blink an eye at phoning for a doctor's appointment when we have a sore throat or hemorrhoids and yet it's considered embarrassing to need help with a psychological health issue?? The medical professionals we dealt with were amazing - so kind and generous once we made that initial appointment - and it has made the world of difference.
I guess I feel the need to raise some awareness about this - and about many other mental diseases that can affect our family and friends. Things like this not only affect the person involved but ripple out and affect everyone who cares for them. I was very lucky that when I did reach out for support for myself that I met with nothing but understanding and friendship and I thank those people with all my heart. I know how much it helped me which meant I could then pass on that strength and support to the person in need. There IS light at the end of the tunnel - but I'm sure the road won't be smooth.
I have also been thankful for my crafting therapy - it's amazing how soothing being creative can be.
Thanx for "listening" - I'll be back soon .....
xXx
6 hours ago
15 comments:
Indeed. Why the heck IS there such a stigma attached to it? You'd think after all these years, it wouldn't be such a taboo subject.
agree with Marlene !!! I have been their with someone i love so much for many years now suffering with both anxiety and depression .I have also Lost a friend to this aswell .
but I have found talking about this some people still dont understand or they dont want to know about it..and the sad thing is so many people are suffering this!
Lots of Hugs and Blessings
xo
Love to you and your loved one Debbie. You know how much I care,
Hugs xxx
You are so right.I think it is the fear of someone saying "get over it" as many people who do not understand a mental dilemma,however small, do say that.I myself suffered for awhile 16 yrs ago [had to count on my fingers then] but with the RIGHT professionals.. overcame it.
It is nothing to be ashamed of, dirty underwear is, lying is,but that is shrugged off, but mental illness...oooo....scary.
I support Mental Awareness in New Zealand.
Luv CHRISSYxx
There certainly is a 'block' there for many people when they hear the word 'depression'. Maybe because they don't understand the illness and can't comprehend that there is such a thing.
Depression is a very real illness and I feel it's about time it was accepted that way.
I've experienced depression myself, my husband and mother in law also suffer from a generic depression that they were born with and have to deal with for the rest of their lives.
All the best Debbie. Take care.
Thanks for sharing Debbie - you are right - many illness mental and physical come with some type of stigma and it just stinks...because behind it is a person who is dealing with it in their own way.
BIG HUGS!
M
Indeed, I have not understood everything, my English is too bad.
But I can understand your concern well. If it goes well to you, the people are envious if it badly goes for you, nobody simply wants to know it, it with interest not.
I wish you all the best for the next time.
Hugs
Melodie
I agree Debbie. I work in a mental hospital at a crisis ward and believe me there is not much to get there so it can happen to everybody!
Hugs Kristel
How lucky they are to have a friend like you. Best wishes to you and your friend.
Thanks for speaking out about this. I'm a sufferer, but I am feeling great due to wonderful healthcare and mental health professionals. It's not something I like to share. It's very difficult for me to even admit that it's an illness and I have it.
For me, I found that family members were the least forgiving and actually used it against me. I thank the Lord every day for an awesome husband, great medicine and friendships that stick closer than family. I know it has been difficult for my friends, but I don't know what would have happened to me without those friendships.
Here, here!!! Very well said Debbie and I totally and utterly know exactly what you mean and where you're coming from. Well done for all you are doing! hugs, Jane xxx
Such a great post....I hope your friend sees the light at the end of the tunnel soon. I was only watching a movie the other day where this lady woke up and could not breath....she was having an anxiety attack. I was having these about 18months ago. So scary...but thankfully friends and family helped me through.
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Debbie... and when you start to talk about it with other people, you find out it affects nearly everyone... either themselves or someone they know and love. There is no shame... just compassion!
Hugs and love,
Lisa
Debbie....I am so v v proud of you for speaking up in such a way. If only others had ur courage, grace and determination. I hope your friend is doing well with their treatment, and reading back theu the comments I hope you take a moment to reflect upon how common a disease it is and how far reaching your power is. LOVE YOU HEAPS!! MWAH ooxx
I'm in a little late on this post, but wanted to say that I've been on anti-depressants for the last 17 years, and have to say "thank goodness" for modern medicine!!! It is often a genetic chemical imbalance (6 out of 6 of myself and siblings have been diagnosed), and there should be no shame in getting help for it. After all, would you be ashamed if you needed to wear glasses? They are both inherited and one is no worse than the other!! The more we who suffer from it speak out about it, the sooner that peoples' perceptions will change!! And good for you for helping your friend. Getting in for that first appointment is a great hurdle to the one with depression: I hope he/she improves quickly. Hugs!!!
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