I've being talking a lot to my wife and friends about the stuff I've been dealing with lately. I'm more the type of person who thinks about things - like why am I feeling this way - and tries to figure it out instead of asking for help. Maybe it's because I'm a guy. (I don't mind asking directions - most of the time. I do have my moments. If I'm in a hurry, no way.) I just figure I should be able to shake it off. Maybe I had too much to drink or I ate something bad. If I did, it should have worn off after a day. This stuff is always there. Something isn't right - with me!
My friends started talking about seeing a pyschiatrist and the possibility of needing medication, and I freaked out a bit. I think it's huge that I've been able to come to the realization and admit that I have a problem with depression. I'm learning however that there's a huge expanse between admitting there's a problem and actively seeking out help for it.
It's really a matter of making the call and following through with a visit. It's crazy (no pun intended) but I'm a grown man and I'm actually scared to death that one of these guys might tell me that I actually have something wrong with me. Crazy indeed!
I plan to continue to write about this. A friend of mine recommended a website, Real Live Preacher. It's a blog, more or less, by a real, live preacher who has journaled his experiences on the web - including his bouts with depression and dealing with the treatment of the condition. I hope my experience will be positive, like his. I guess we'll see - together...
Gee, that's weird to say that.
4 comments:
No shame in seeing a pyschiatrist. I've had a few friends go see them, and even be on medication for awhile. They all came off the meds in time. I respect them no less for seeking out help in the forms available. In my opinion, medication can be a gift from God, no different than medication for an infection. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do.
Feeling horrible is miserable. Being depressed is a common thing throughout history and millions if not more have suffered through it. We are blessed to live in the 21st century with medication to try to treat it. Hang in there! When I was struggling with OCD (before I knew I had it!), there was a time when I was really, really down, and so tired of dealing with the symptoms. One thought was helpful I had read from Winston Churchill, "never give up, never give up, never, ever, ever give up."
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-Random Person
I guess the big thing for me was to finally admit there was a problem. I mean I know my tendencies and I have for some time. I just thought it was my moods or me feeling sorry for myself.
Now, it's more like there's a problem, but it's not like saying I'm crazy or I have a mental illness or anything like that. Then again, maybe not. It's really more important to look into it and find out if this can be helped.
I don't know where i got this quote, but I like it more and more all the time: "Life's too short to be miserable." I've been miserable far too long. Hopefully, treatment might give me a better way to cope with life, in general.
way to go, hoel! thanks for sharing honestly.
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