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Strength Needed

I take it day by day right now, like so many people. I get myself to work, do what I am supposed to do and get through the day. I pick up my daughter from preschool at the end of each day and simply can’t kiss her enough. I am usually aching for her by the end of the day. That is my favorite moment of each day right now…receiving the running hug from her.
Today I have a challenge. I have been laying low in the evenings and on weekends as I simply do not want to be around other people and feel the pressure of making conversation and being “happy.” Tonight though is Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath) and my husband, daughter and I always are together for Shabbat dinner. There is a monthly program at our synagogue called PJ Shabbat (which occurs tonight) and we always go, together as a family. This morning my husband asked if I was going and I told him I would be. I cannot imagine being apart from them on Shabbat. I am now left with anxiety and I hope I can put on a brave face for my daughter’s sake. It is just over an hour of singing, stories and eating and while I know logically I can make it, I am still worried about presenting myself in a way that will not appear “depressed.” I know I don’t need to be happy but I know I can’t appear dazed (as I am) or disconnected.
So, I know I can do it and I will probably feel better for it. Shabbat is about family and I need to be with my family, my comfort now more than ever.
I would also never want to miss my daughter singing the songs and prayers…that is priceless. I have to push myself for her and my husband, for our family.
Shabbat Shalom.

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Are you Uncomfortable?

You’ve read my previous entry…you know what I am going through. Does this make you uncomfortable? If so, why? Is it because our society still teaches us that any psychiatric illness is not okay? Is it because we were raised to be afraid of someone who needs pills to regulate themselves?

Whatever it is…get over it.

It is 2014 and I don’t want my daughter to grow up thinking less of someone just because he/she needs medication and a therapist to have a good life. Don’t we all deserve a good life?

Everyone deserves to be happy, or as happy as possible. Not perfect…there is no perfect. But happy enough and good enough.

Don’t ignore your friend, acquaintance, family member who is having a hard time. I am still the same person, whether I am depressed or not. I am still in here. It’s important to remember that. If you shy away, ask yourself why. What makes you so uncomfortable around me right now? Is it because my affect is a bit flat and I am not so smiley? Is it because you feel you know too much?

If someone shares with you, that is a gift and a privilege. Respect that.

I am lucky to have amazing friends who have been wonderful…they don’t treat me differently and they are just there for me.

So check yourself…are you uncomfortable?

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Don’t Take it Personally

If I don’t smile for an extended period of time, don’t take it personally.
If I seem “off” in some way, don’t take it personally.
If I don’t appear to be listening to you, don’t take it personally.
If I don’t laugh at your joke, don’t take it personally.
If my hand is unsteady, don’t take it personally.
If I appear tearful, don’t take it personally.
If I yawn, don’t take it personally.
If I don’t want to be around people, don’t take it personally.
If my leg shakes when I sit next to you, don’t take it personally.
If I forget something, don’t take it personally.
If I need to leave work a few minutes early to pick up my daughter as I ache to hug her, don’t take it personally.
If I don’t go to your house to hang out because I cannot imagine being extroverted, don’t take it personally.

This is Depression. This is my Depression. This is me right now.

Don’t be put off and don’t run away. Give me time and just be there.

And please, don’t take it personally.

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