katred
Specktra Bestie
I've read a number of people commenting on the fact that they have struggled with depression, anxiety and other mental disorders and illnesses and that they have gone through therapy, tried different medications, etc.
So I thought it might be an idea to start a thread on the subject, a forum where we can talk about our experiences, what's worked and what hasn't, how others have supported or antagonised us, etc.
Obviously, some people aren't going to feel comfortable talking about this very personal kind of thing, which I respect, but others might appreciate knowing that many of the "normal" people they interact with here go through the same things as the rest of us.
The idea is to provide a supportive environment, so if you're one of those who doesn't think that mental disorders are serious or even real, please keep those opinions to yourself. This is not the place to judge.
Since I started this, I'll give a brief summary of my background: I've struggled with depression and acute anxiety since before I hit puberty. I seriously remember having crippling anxiety attacks when I was under the age of 10. That's not common, but it does happen. I come from one of those families that doesn't think that mental issues are anything to worry about, so for many years, I went untreated and ignored the fact that my problems were getting worse. This despite the fact that my father's sister basically died because of compounding mental problems.
I did notice that my mood swings were ridiculous and that times when I was happy were often just as problematic as when I was depressed (spending far too much, taking ridiculous risks with my health, ignoring my job and responsibilities, etc.). But, because I'd been conditioned to see admitting to a problem as tantamount to failure, I didn't get the help I needed.
Quite recently, after getting fed up with the constant flying and crashing cycles, I got a recommendation to see a psychiatrist. After a very detailed review of everything that I was experiencing (and had experienced), I was diagnosed as Bipolar Type I. The doctor adjusted my medication accordingly and has been seeing me regularly to try to pinpoint the roots of my disorder. Things are a lot better, now that someone seems to have gotten the diagnosis right.
I'll have more to say on this later, but I'll open the floor up to other stories, questions, etc. Remember: It's nothing to be ashamed of and support and humour are great meds.
So I thought it might be an idea to start a thread on the subject, a forum where we can talk about our experiences, what's worked and what hasn't, how others have supported or antagonised us, etc.
Obviously, some people aren't going to feel comfortable talking about this very personal kind of thing, which I respect, but others might appreciate knowing that many of the "normal" people they interact with here go through the same things as the rest of us.
The idea is to provide a supportive environment, so if you're one of those who doesn't think that mental disorders are serious or even real, please keep those opinions to yourself. This is not the place to judge.
Since I started this, I'll give a brief summary of my background: I've struggled with depression and acute anxiety since before I hit puberty. I seriously remember having crippling anxiety attacks when I was under the age of 10. That's not common, but it does happen. I come from one of those families that doesn't think that mental issues are anything to worry about, so for many years, I went untreated and ignored the fact that my problems were getting worse. This despite the fact that my father's sister basically died because of compounding mental problems.
I did notice that my mood swings were ridiculous and that times when I was happy were often just as problematic as when I was depressed (spending far too much, taking ridiculous risks with my health, ignoring my job and responsibilities, etc.). But, because I'd been conditioned to see admitting to a problem as tantamount to failure, I didn't get the help I needed.
Quite recently, after getting fed up with the constant flying and crashing cycles, I got a recommendation to see a psychiatrist. After a very detailed review of everything that I was experiencing (and had experienced), I was diagnosed as Bipolar Type I. The doctor adjusted my medication accordingly and has been seeing me regularly to try to pinpoint the roots of my disorder. Things are a lot better, now that someone seems to have gotten the diagnosis right.
I'll have more to say on this later, but I'll open the floor up to other stories, questions, etc. Remember: It's nothing to be ashamed of and support and humour are great meds.