Not facing my depression was a direct slap in the face to Self-Care. I have written extensively about my struggle with self-care. Finding the balance between “just say no,” and the needs of others can be confusing. Self-care starts with the premise that you must put your oxygen mask on before helping others. I get that, but my generation was not brought up automatically … [Read more...] about Never Again Will You Not Face Your Depression
The cost of success
The Real Truth About Depression and My Survivors Guilt
Some days I need to remind myself that I have depression. But most days, I know that depression and I have a lifelong connection. As I move further away from my time in the hospital, I am beginning to feel guilty for being alive. The better things are going in my life, the more I feel guilty. After all there are many people in much worse shape than I ever was, even as I … [Read more...] about The Real Truth About Depression and My Survivors Guilt
Why I’m Still Dealing with The Fallout From MDD
Every time I think I have gotten all the pieces sorted out regarding my treatment for depression, a new wrinkle appears. Learning to live with depression and understanding my relationship with it has been eye-opening. Going from concealing it, not facing it, never even saying the word to now acknowledging it has been a roller coaster ride. And on top of that, I am dealing … [Read more...] about Why I’m Still Dealing with The Fallout From MDD
What Makes Me Feel Obliged to Struggle with Self-Care?
On the surface, the term self-care seems straight-forward. I Googled® the definition just to be sure my assessment of self-care was in line with general notions. Based on this definition, I feel I understand what the idea of self-care is all about. self-care So why do I struggle with self-care? Last year, as I first learned how to think about and practice … [Read more...] about What Makes Me Feel Obliged to Struggle with Self-Care?
After Getting Help for Myself, I Can Now Share with Others
Asking for professional medical help was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I started writing the morning after I was released from the hospital. In 5 North, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, with suicidal ideation. Feeling up against the wall, seeking professional medical advice was the least hard of the three choices I felt I had. Choice #1 was to … [Read more...] about After Getting Help for Myself, I Can Now Share with Others