[Petronski]

I want to take this occasion to be very frank about myself. I have been battling depression most of my 37 years on this earth. I sought help in October 1997, when I reached a crossroads, and a combination of medication, prayer, diet, vitamins, therapy, etc. have since that day and so far saved my life.

I don't want to be maudlin. I want to stress that help is available, all kinds of help.

My favorite depressed person in history is Winston Churchill, who referred to his depression as the 'black dog.' Remember always that the depression is not reality, it is an entity unto itself--like the black dog. Recognizing this distinction is often the best way to battle a wave of depression. The black dog might follow you for days or weeks on end, but it is not you--it is separate.

If the eyes of someone depressed should fall on these words, please understand, I will do all I can to talk and share and counsel with anyone whose depression or problems find them contemplating the abyss.

[katnip]

You are another of my favorite funny Freepers. I'm glad you're staying!

[EggsAckley]

Beautiful, Petronski. I for one am here to attest to the existence of depression. Have had it most of my life (58 years, argh!).

I'm just so tickled to see so many people admitting their depression. I hate that it's always a deep dark secret. Like something to be ashamed of.

My favorite depressed person was Beethoven. He was chronic. Not only depressed, his eyesight was failing, and as we all know, so was his hearing. Now, THOSE are some grounds for depression!!
Cheers!

[Fangorn]

Lots of people have asked what depression is like and some very good comparisons have been made. Regarding what it feels like, in relation to those who want to reach you, in my experience, is best described by this (out of context) phrase from Luke 16.

"...between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from here to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, those that would come from there. " The speaker is describing hell, and it's very apt.

To me, it describes the futility that often exists between the depressed reaching out and the loved ones reaching in. I could be quite wrong, this is personal experience.

[DollyCali]

The apostle Paul spoke of his "thorn in the flesh"...

this is yours...

{{{{{{{{{{{petronski}}}}}}}}}}}

God can/will help... He really will.

[visualops]

Help is available for sure. However, often people don't recognize that depression is the problem, or don't realize how it can distort reality. If one is self-critical, or a perfectionist, or perhaps a bit obsessive-compulsive, simply admitting there may be a problem, or that you can't solve it all by yourself, is a big hurdle.

[ClancyJ]

I always remember Abraham Lincoln. He had to take to his bed his bouts of depression were so severe. Poor man, he had a lot of trouble as he led the country in one of its hardest times.

[Cogadh na Sith]

Hey fellow 'downie'...

[Freedom2specul8]

You are so kind to share your experiences.....