Depression is a Chronic Illness and should be respected like one.

[SomebodyElse]

I've been suffering with depression for several years. Several? - Try 20 years. I also have anxiety, but that's not my main problem. As I go into another bad period, it has occurred to me that my depression is the same as many other people's chronic illnesses, and that my depression shouldn't be any less respected than any other chronic illness. I shouldn't be ashamed of it. I shouldn't have to push on through any more than you expect someone with another illness to push on through.

1. Like many chronic dibilitating illnesses, it has it's good times and bad. Some days the meds just seem to work better than others. Those with depression know that a bad period is not simply a bad mood. It's deeper and more all encompassing and just as dibilitating at times as any illness. It doesn't just effect your mood... it effects your whole BEING. Your whole personality. Your whole perception. It's like a disease of the soul. Meds only work 80% of the time in my experience and according to several doctors I've seen. Normal changes in body chemistry probably have a bit to do with that. Or things you've eaten or lack of or too much sleep. It's the brain - The least understood organ in the body. Maybe if the "badness" was in my kidney or knee or something I could get cured. But there is no cure. None that I've found or that the hundreds of sufferers with which I commiserate have found.

2. Like many chronic dibilitating illnesses, it is prone to flare ups and has triggers. These flare ups may interrupt the normal routine and require additional support or leeway from those around you. If I was "sick" and I was having a flare up, you wouldn't force me to go to a crowded party or spend the entire day at the zoo. You'd let me relax on the couch and watch crummy reruns and eat lots of comfort foods until I felt better. Ironically, a trigger for me is missing exercise. When I stop exercising, it always flares. Which makes it REALLY hard to start again. It's like being nauseated and the only way to fix it is to drink a ton of juice. It's the last thing you want to do even if it might help. Triggers can't always be avoided, either. A common trigger is big changes in routine. That's life. Just like certain things trigger migraine sufferers - they can't avoid those things 100%. It's not possible.

So if you know a depression sufferer or think you do, try looking at it as an illness, not a choice. It's not something to be snapped out of or to be easily kicked with a nap or a walk around the block. Depression sufferers deserve respect and deserve support and deserve loving care that other disease sufferers receive. Believe me, no one wants it gone more than we do.

[babymomma0306]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 1:17 AM

.......'NUFF SAID!!!

[shellyplatz]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 10:53 AM

Wow someone who understands! Being told to get over it or someone else has it worse or look on the bright side does not help someone who is depressed. I think everyone should read this and gain some insight.

None of us know what someone else's life is like and why they may be depressed.

[mylovex0306]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 12:05 PM

Thank you for posting this! I often have a hard time explaining when I am having a "bad day" (what some like to call it). I however can't take medication because it makes me worse. After 4 failed attempts at finding the right medication for me I got scared. I see a therapist and that helps but I still have those days, weeks, months. I am lucky to have some people in my life who understand but not all. Once again THANK YOU!!

[mtnmama111]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 2:57 PM

I am really DONE with people who have never had DEPRESSION (vs *just being sad*) telling me/us that it is just a (temporary) bad mood/day... and to just suck it up/ get over it already... ARGH!!! I too have suffered from/with depression and it's evil cousin anxiety for most of my life. My medication helps- most of the time. Knowing what is going on helps when it flares through the meds.

[alli286]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 3:51 PM

Thank you Thank  you Thank you!! Now if only I could get my husband to understand. But he won't ever think befor he speaks.

[Philyra]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 4:36 PM

Amen!  I have struggled with depression since childhood, and I'm still learning what triggers it for me.  (Usually poor eating and/or sleeping).  Fortunately, I have a family who understands.  My husband can tell, just by looking at me sometimes, when I'm having a low spell.  He's very supportive, and that makes it difficult to "feed" the depression.  I still have times though when I feel so very low and pathetic and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight.  It is an illness, and should be thought of as such.

[caitxrawks]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 5:30 PM

I've had chronic depression since age 16 or so. Over the years the "cause" or "reason" for my depression has changed, but it still hurts just as bad. Having a daughter at 20 didn't really help much, though.

I can't stand it when people who have never been PROPERLY DIAGNOSED with depression telling me "Ohhhh, I've been depressed before, it sucks!" Ugh. Go talk to a doctor, then come talk to me, sweetie.

[mimitothree]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 6:15 PM

I've had chronic depression for years now,  don't know when it started.  You accurately described what happens to us.  Thank you for putting into writing what has beed so difficult to explain to others.

[Rydersmommy616]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 6:20 PM

amen at least i know im not alone....  All  We can do is be truly Patient with ourselves.. when everyone else is done and doesnt understand... amen great post

[evwsquared]

Jul. 5, 2009 at 7:03 PM

It IS an illness. We need our insurance companies to treat it the same as any other chronic illness.