Saturday, January 28, 2006

Depression

I think the thing that sucks worst about depression is the effect it has on those you love. I didn't realize I was struggling the last three or four weeks. It was a bit different than usual. I just didn't want to really be around anyone else. Even people I love dearly.

Glad I have such understanding friend and family.

If you ever struggle with depression, I hope you talk to a professional and your close relations about it. When light hits darkness, it makes a huge difference.

the rev

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are correct in identifying a supporting friend/family network as a primary coping mechanism for depression. This plus professional counselling if necessary, and even drug treatment for more severe cases can often be effective for a condition that, in Australia, at least, has often been a matter of shame – something to be hidden and not discussed. Only recently have we seen more media and public coverage of this subject. So congratulations on taking a leadership role by your public revelation, as it is still difficult for (Australian males especially) to admit to this condition.

What are the causes of depression? Is it lifestyle? For those people who are driven to achieve, or who have supporting/caring roles like mothers, pastors, kindergarten teachers but often go unrecognised by the wider community for their major efforts (many of these roles are low paid or not remunerated at all). Some of these people may not know how to “let go” or disengage from their regular activity, to allow recuperation. Or they may put their brains under enough stress to cause a chemical imbalance.

But there are also those who lead “different” lifestyles that also suffer from depression. The following article, although not about depression per se, makes a comment on some possible causes and possibly inappropriate treatement:

http://www.city-journal.org/html/14_4_oh_to_be.html

Anonymous said...

Amen John.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it a trip to suddenly realise you've been depressed? I have made a list of things for me to watch for. Like if I am not cooking meals at home at all, it's a good sign I'm depressed. I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets the sneak attack.

BJJ NZ said...

Hey buddy,

Sorry to hear that. As always you are never far from our minds. Just tonight some of the boys were talking about you and how cool it was to have youa on our mat. Look forward to the day you return.

Stay strong.

G

backyardmissionary said...

thinking of you mate

Anonymous said...

Hey have missed your insightful comments mate.

My prayers with you bro.

Anonymous said...

love to you
you will as always rise up out of this time and
kick arse for Jesus and fight for and speak out for those who have no voice,
you are an inspiration to many and a firend to those who experince dark times too,

Rebecca said...

I've got a list too. :) It doesn't make me feel any better, but it's always such a relief when the penny drops and I ralise what's happening...and realise that I'll feel better if only I have the patience to sit it out...

KLJ - glad to know that someone else does the eating out thing! What is it with that?!

Anonymous said...

I'm a pharmacist so have some interactions with depression from a medication point of view. A couple of points - it's *way* more common than you might suspect, even (or especially) in churches. Given the potential stigma, emphasised if one dwells in a "victorious xian living" church, that depression and it's necessary treatment invoke for xians, I take especial care to demystify depression as much as possible when fellow believers present scripts, or raise the issue. Possibly the clearest example I can think of with someone clinically depressed was a dear xian lady who presented with a first time anti-depressant rx and the comment "I'm so ashamed " I inquired if she was similarly ashamed of her husband ? He's an insulin-dependent diabetic and uses medicine to correct a chemical imbalance in his body. And the difference with depression and anti-depressants is ???? So, Rev, good on you for openness - it's gotta be helpful for somebody somewhere..............