Posted by coral on November 9, 2002, at 8:21:01
In reply to Has anyone gotten to Real Life after depression?, posted by Racer on November 7, 2002, at 18:33:59
Hey, Racer!!!
Yes, I have gotten back to Real Life after a real kicking-in-the-teeth, or as Shar said, ass-kicking depression. I lost virtually everything in my life and when I was on the other side of the depression, I had to expend huge amounts of energy rebuilding, not just "getting on with" life (if that makes any sense). (I'll be more than happy to share details of my particular trip to hell if you like.) The view of life, on this side, is markedly different now. There is some damage that was/is permanent and I've also gained some wisdom. I've had a couple of minor relapses that were corrected with meds and therapy. Coming off meds, for me, included a couple of false starts - I was doing it too fast. However, during the relapses, my anchor med (zoloft) worked like a charm. I needed to allow myself to grieve because I was NEVER going to be the same as I was pre-depression and had lost some "fire" as well as gained some things I needed to monitor, such as stress levels. I also gained a gentleness toward myself. I believe I know exactly what you mean about facing things that are "too hard" --- I've had to develop a high awareness about my own strength levels and determine if I should proceed and tackle whatever -- or hide under the comforter and, in my opinion, both are very viable options. I'm certainly NOT going to tell you that I'm an "enriched" person and a better person having gone through a depression - it was devastating and I'm a changed person. However, there is joy in my life (took me awhile to learn how to experience joy again) ... and I'm functioning!!! I'm doing better than functioning, actually. My life is great and I keep a sharp eye out for "cellar demons." I hope this helps.
poster:coral
thread:32031
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021106/msgs/32068.html