THE FACE OF DEPRESSION

I am bipolar and am in my cycle of depression. Right now, it is difficult to put one foot in front of the other and live my life. It took me days to get to the place where I could write this blog. The below quote says it all.

“Having anxiety and depression is like being scared and tired at the same time. It’s the fear of failure but no urge to be productive. It’s wanting friends but hating to socialize. It’s wanting to be alone but not wanting to be lonely. It’s caring about everything, then caring about nothing. It’s feeling everything at once, then feeling paralyzingly numb.” – Unknown

The above quote states the way I feel currently. My depression this time is different. Often my depression is situational, and with therapy and working on the problematic issue, it is overcome. This time it is bipolar depression. There is no reason; life is good. It is a chemical imbalance. I am waiting for an appointment with my psychiatrist. I contacted her on Monday, but I cannot see her until Thursday afternoon.

I struggle with what am I supposed to do until then? If you are struggling with chronic depression, the following can help:

• Stay in touch. Don't withdraw from life

• Be more active. Take up some form of exercise

• Face your fears. Don't avoid the things you find difficult

• Don't drink too much alcohol. For some people, alcohol can become a problem

• Try to eat a healthy diet

• Have a routine

For all types of depression, the above are essential. However, I must admit that I have not been doing most of the above. Getting out of bed and getting dressed is an effort. For me, I need to get my medication adjusted. I want to assure you that taking medications is not a defeat; it addresses the chemical imbalance in your brain.

If you have a friend that is struggling,

· Let them talk

· Listen without judgment

· If needed, encourage them to get professional help

· Check on them

· Ask the hard question (Do you feel like hurting/killing yourself?)

· Be available

I know this is a difficult thing to talk about. Yet, it is a struggle for many. After all these years, I still struggle with being embarrassed and isolating. Thank you for reading this blog, and I hope it helps you understand depression a little better.