Someone thinks I should be embarassed about depression?

Question

Yes Kate you are right. I was very embarassed about my depression. I was so embarassed that I decided not to tell anyone or let them know. You can read about my downward spiral on Yahoo search under "The Last Temptation of George Petrie". I don't think you'll want to read it but if you do then perhaps you will understand that sometimes, due to organic brain chemistry we are unable to control our actions. It does not have anything to do with IQ or status in life. It can affect anyone and not just people with "bad character". I have done what I had to do to treat my depression and I am stronger and more successful than ever. I don't feel pathetic any more and I am not the least bit ashamed, any more than I would be if I had suffered from diabetes or heart disease. Mental illness is a disease just the same as physical illness. Someone with physical illness is not looked upon as being stupid or pathetic and, since mental illness, (including depression) is a result of brain chemistry it is as much out of the person's control as any other illness. I wish that sheer embarassment could have turned my life around. Instead it drove me into the conspiracy of silence. Depression can be a fatal illness if not treated expediently and properly. Please believe me when I say I understand your position. I do understand when people who have not experienced anxiety or depression simply do not understand it. I used to be just as judgemental as you until it came, uninvited, into my life. best wishes to you

Answer 1

Thank you for your post. That was well written! I too suffer pain from clinical depression, and dare I say I also self harm? Not a pretty thing to have to go through. And not for attention or self pity.... Indeed it is a mental illness that has to do with brain chemistry.. I am not proud to be in this condition, it has caused me much suffering and pain. The pain is like dying a thousand deaths and still be breathing.
I did not choose to suffer from depression nor was I prepared to engage in old behaviors of self injury again in my life as a 38 yr old woman.... Yes 38. I am not young, and should know better, but it is there and I struggle every single day . Even on medication and counseling.
I do not expect everyone to understand me. I do not like to read other people's posts about how ignorant they can be on the subject though. I think education is far more important then not bothering to even try to understand what it is all about.

Answer 2

You have nothing to be embarassed about depression. I just bet you that 95% of people are also. Me included. I get depressed alot and stupid me keeps it all bottled up in side. We all here understand what you have been going through . If you were the first I 'd have to question but your not. I find comfort here in the q, and a;s knowing there is someone out there in the same boat I'm in. Thanks for the question and best wishes to you also. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Oh and your question was most sincere and I feel the same.

Answer 3

You are absolutely right. I've never experienced depression or mental illness myself, but being in the healthcare industry, I've seen many many people who have. Mental illness can affect anyone at any time, and there should not be a stigma associated with it, although, unfortunately, there is in this society. I'm so proud of you for getting help and overcoming such a disabling condition, and there is no reason to be embarrassed. This post and others like it are inspiring for people who are struggling with depression and other mental illnesses, and I hope that it encourages them to seek treatment and not feel ashamed of something that is out of their control.

Answer 4

I am so sorry that this happened to you and knowing that the person was ignorant is probably small comfort. I admire those who have struggled and survive even more than those who were blessed with an ordinary life. It isn't until you are tested that you begin to realize your mettle. Kudos and thank you both for your compassionate reply despite the anger and the hurt you must have felt as well as for having shared your story publicly to inspire others-that takes real courage! I wish I could follow your kind example with me own wannabe torturer here lately.

Answer 5

.
You put this very well. Depression is serious and can lead to even suicide, I have seen that happen. It is a disease.
Most people don't realize this, and how severe it can become without help. I understand. There are so many things that can happen because of it, even killing others.
You brain changes, as you said and you aren't the person you were. Definitely not to be ashamed, be proud to be over it and understand it. And proud you got help. So many don't.

Answer 6

Alls well that ends well..I can understand ur feeling out of that black hole of depression coz I am still languishing in the pit. Y shud any kind of embarassment shud be there, its all about chemical imbalance in the mind due to unfavourable circumstances. Medication is just a mechanism to set the balance, to tune in the chemicals. On the top of that one who has journeyed thru depression can never be ashamed of anything that stretched a rescuing hand, be it human beings, medicines or anything in the world. Believe me, wat it is to be there in depression, a second person cannot understand, think n try n feel the pathos. I feel happy for Peter that he is out of it. Wish happiness always for U Peter.

Answer 7

Very well said. My mother has suffered from depression as well as my father, and I think I might be starting to get it (not like a disease) as well, but I have yet to be "diagnosed" (you could say) by my psychiatrist. I have been made fun of as well, and it is a terrible thing to do to someone with depression. This one girl who I had considered my friend called me a "suicidal freak." Another girl had peeked at my doodles that I had written "depression sucks" on, because of my experiences with it with my parents and my mental state. She told her friends and they whispered around me. I heard "she's depressed" and things like that, and I believe they said something to me, but I can't really remember.
Don't try explaining it to somebody who won't bother to try and understand it. If this person is really like this, or if people are like this, don't bother explaining. These idiots will need to figure it out themselves instead of everything being explained to them.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 8

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 9

why even bother explaining it to a moron? It's just another body part that needed to be fixed, why be embarrased? It happens to lots of people who never get treated and turn into drunks who abuse their families. Gee who should be embarrased? Some of the people you converse with on here are going to be ignorant, they can't help it.

Answer 10

No answer, just a resounding "Thank you". Thank you for putting that so well. Thank you for being vocal. Thank you for getting the word out a little bit more. I, too, didn't get treated for my depression for years because I thought that it was too embarrassing.