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Friday, October 7, 2011

Depression is a curse

Ernest Hemingway, Billy Joel, Edgar Allen Poe, Harrison Ford, J.K. Rowling, Mike Wallace, Vincent Van Gogh, Winston Churchill, Ashley Judd, Beethoven, Abraham Lincoln and the list goes on and on and on.
All of the above famous celebrities have suffered with depression at one time or another.  They suffered, their families suffered, their friend suffered and their souls suffered.  Having personally experienced what I refer to as a curse- I know what it feels like.  Im grateful that it did not grace me with it's ugliness for long as I found it completely unbearable.

I read a book called the Unholy Ghost which is a series of writings by people who have experienced depression. Jane Kenyon wrote the following that I would like to share with you as I believe it is a true depiction of what it feels like to experience depression.

                  Credo

Pharmaceutical wonders are at work
but I believe only in this moment of well-being. Unholy ghost,
you are certain to come again.
Coarse, mean, you'll put your feet
on the coffee table, lean back,
and turn me into someone who can't
take the trouble to speak; someone
who can't sleep, or who does nothing
but sleep; can't read, or call
for an appointment for help.
There is nothing I can do
against your coming.
When I awake, I am still with thee."

Depression changes your personality. It takes a fun-loving and adventurous soul who is interested and engaged in life and turns them into a person who has no interest in anything.  It creates an inability to enjoy anything or anyone. It takes your capability  to function as a productive individual away and then laughs at your failure.  I would rather live without my right arm then suffer with depression my entire life and Im not joking.

 Depression does not discriminate- it caters to the rich and to the poor.  It caters to the talented and flourishing as well as the not so talented. As you can see from the people above it does not matter whether you are successful or not. It does not care if you have a plan for great achievement. It will halt you and stop you from thriving and it will be your biggest stumbling block regardless of your intellect or internal fortitude. Regardless of your desire to overcome it as it enjoys lingering.

I have been visiting a friend of mine who is in the hospital. She is a beautiful woman who is married to a very successful man. She has children and she  grew up in a privileged family who was cultured, sophisticated and well-traveled. From the outside most people would be jealous of all of the trappings that her life has afforded her. If they knew her internal struggles- they would not wish them on their greatest enemy.

Her depression lingers over her like the grim reaper. It affects her ability to enjoy life and to enjoy all of the "things" that she is so blessed to have. Depression has taken over her soul and her heart. She fights it hourly-daily- by the minute and by the second. It has a hold on her that does not want to let go.  Therapy and medication have assisted her on her journey but she was born with a fate that had already been predetermined. She must fight for her own survival but the fight is against her own self.


I see Depression as a betrayal of one own's inner self. You are fighting for control over an illness that has taken over your mind.  Pray for the one in five individuals who suffer often in silence.  It can come at any hour at any time in a person's life so do not judge those who have depression.  It is random and unforgiving and if it rears it's ugly head in your direction you will feel it. You won't have to guess what it is as it will impair your ability to function and you will no longer have interest in anything that once brought you pleasure.


www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crisis_hotlineinfo

If you know someone who fits the description of someone who is depressed-  step in and take them to a therapist or a psychiatrist. You can help save them or get them on the path in the right direction.   One of my best friends did that for me and I will never forget that day.  She made an appointment for me, drove over to my house and took me to a doctor.  I was lucky to have such a friend- Kelly I will always love you like a sister for that. You made a meaningful difference in my life and I will be forever grateful to you. xo

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read your blog and do like some of your posts, however I view this one as "depressing" and not too useful.

Yes depression is no fun or kind. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist,ret,& saw many w/depression.

Whilst there are some that undoubtedly will suffer without relief, there are many that do FIND relief.

I personally have seen more people gain a better life staying away from the reductionist, medical modality and looking to the holistic practitioners who don't treat the symptom, but look for and treat the cause.

Medical care offers harsh drugs, all with bad side effects. Many drugs used for depression cause other organs stress, not to mention the side effects they have can actually exacerbate the problem, and even enhance the prospect of suicide in some. Medicine is designed for the public, not the individual.

I would definitely suggest starting with a licensed Naturopathic Physician and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist. Let them assess you, run some tests,ones the medical community don't even have a clue exist, to look for core issues that may be corrected.

A good complimentary practitioner will take into consideration drugs you are taking, and then any protocol they offer will be designed "specifically for you, the individual" unlike allopathic drugs. They also have no harsh side effects like drugs. You may even be suprised to learn that depression may be coming from, or exacerbated by food colorings, additives, even specific foods like gluten rich bread, pasteries can add to the problem. MD's will not look for these for sure!

Look up Naturopathic Council for "your state" or NP Physicians for "your state" online. Do the same for Clinical Nutritionists. Call and ask for a phone interview with them if possible, and for credentails.

If you choose the medical route, look for a doctor either a psychiatrist, psychologist or MD with bonafied complimentary training, which by the way should be a major part of their practice.
It is essential with medical doctors to look at credentials, interview them if possible, and also look to see they have never been sued for or been accused of mal practice. (Look what Michael Jackson's MD did to him).

I would also suggest going to a physician that practices Bioidentical Hormone therapy if hormones are part of the issue.

Here is a look up website: http://www.bodylogicmd.com/bioidentical-hormone-doctors?tid=cpc.google.search.new+grouping.doctor.doctors+natural&mkwid=sstCSLZAU&pcrid=6658781362&gclid=CIecqazfmqwCFYXrKgodoUS5Ow

Here is a good quick read for those suffering from depression and those who love and want to help them: http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Naturopathic-Medicine-for-Depression

It has three other RESOURCES at the end, the best being that of Bastyr College, looked upon as North Americas "Harvard or Yale" of Naturopathic colleges. You could contact them for help finding a Naturopath in your area who may specialize with depression, though any ND could help.

Here is a site that is a good intro to Naturopathic Medicine and answers some common questions: http://www.naturalhealthct.com/naturopathic_medicine.htm

If you punch in "Naturopathic Doctors (your state) treat depression" in any search engine, lots of choices and great info to start you on your way will be available to you.

Note: Seeing a ND does not necessarily mean NOT seeing you MD or Phychiatrist anymore. Oftentimes using the two types of doctors does the most good. That is up to your doctors and you.

As bad as depression can be, because of wonderful improvements I saw some of my patients go through when using complimentary medicine, I whole heartedly suggest looking deeper into this, you never know, it may be "just what the doctor ordered"!

Wishing you peace,

Sharon

Unknown said...

I received several letters of thanks for my openness regarding Depression. I would agree with you that Depression is depressing so if you found my post as such I would think that very appropriate. Your insight and input Im sure will be valuable to many who seek help for depression. Thank you for taking the time to write to me.