If Michelle Obama deals with low-grade depression, considering her successful life, then someone like me, with lifelong severe & mostly untreated-till-recently depression, should be considered a success just getting out of bed at least once a day, let alone holding down a job. And somehow I don't feel like such an abject failure at life, even though the implication may be that maybe I should because even she can get depressed but can also get over it…
I sure didn't have the right "tools" to overcome depression or to live like a normal person most my life. I still can't live like a normal person. At least I am working. And I'm less depressed most of the time on Venlafaxine. Nothing else ever really worked well on me till I tried this. And I'm not 100% out of the woods there either. But most days, I'm better than I was before I started taking an antidepressant.
@Astartiel Even though we ultimately have to do the work, without the right tools and the right help it can be nearly impossible to dig our way out. I'm glad you found one tool. Don't stop there. It takes multiple tools to complete a task. I'm here rooting for you.
@Vozy Thank you. I feeding didn't have any of the right tools most of my life. Yeah, it's sometimes a daily struggle, but I'm MUCH better now… 😉
@Astartiel I had 2 good tools for years, but until I found the 3rd one, I was up and down, sometimes really down. #PTSD #GAD 😩 I found the 3rd tool this year. At 67 years old, I can now say that I am happy for the first time in my life.
@Vozy Yeah, at nearly 50, I can say I'm almost there. Didn't think it was really possible for me.
@Astartiel I am so glad you are finding something working for you. 🤗 this is my trigger time, as the days get shorter, colder... for a combination of reasons. But, knowing this, I force myself beyond all instincts to get out of bed and accomplish thing- little things add up to big relief for me. I think Identifying triggers can be so useful in being proactive in avoiding that downward trickle becoming a free falling spiral. Good sleep too- I use benadryl if really need as it doesn't block dreams
@AlternativeFactsAreLies Yeah, winter coming really tries to pull me back down too, as I'd rather be in warmer climes but can't afford to move, yet. I keep reminding myself that's why I'm working - so eventually I'll be able to afford to go where I'll be happier year round.
@Astartiel all about the goals. When I came out of a depressed time I realized I stopped dreaming, setting goals, I just existed. Good you have a goal!!
As far as fall, im like a walking dichotomy, It's probably my favorite season, cozy sweaters, festivals, upcoming holidays...but it still is a trigger time- my music gets more moody, have a greater sense of longing, emptiness.
@AlternativeFactsAreLies Yeah, depression is a dream killer, to be sure. I've lost so many of mine due to it. I've been using music to help keep my spirits up, specifically Ukrainian music - first Zelenskyy's Kvartal 95 parodies & now a Ukrainian music playlist I've been compiling. https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/favorite-ukrainian-songs/pl.u-leyl0YAsxkEAEo
@Astartiel by the way, curious if Yennefer is your real name? It's the name of a character from one of my fav. video game series (tech. book)
@AlternativeFactsAreLies Well, usually I spell it with a J. The Witcher (books, games, & show) is a favorite of mine as well. So, yeah, I am actually Jennifer, but liking Yennefer better lately. And ironically I work with someone who goes by Raven. 😉
@Astartiel that's awesome, so good, I need to read the books, I played both witcher 2 and 3, witcher 2 is the reason. I still have my old Xbox. Now that I think about it I probably can look into getting it on computer.. been wanting to play again, I'd have to dig out the Xbox lol
@Astartiel that's awesome fella!!!
@Astartiel I have major depression and have mostly been “successful,” meaning I hold down a good job and support my family; however, I don’t have a lot of joy and the meds are a tight balance between making me functional and not functional.
At a matter of fact, ironically, it was this horrible war in Ukraine, or more accurately the brave people of Ukraine, starting with their president's defiance, that inspired me to try meds again & then to get a job again, after 6 years unable to handle even the idea of working.