A post of a fellow blogger caused me to think about depression. I don’t have much to say about it. I know it exists, I know it is real and I firmly believe it is overused as an excuse. Yes, I said it. An excuse. No one wants to challenge a person who is “depressed.” It’s a great excuse to avoid activities, lessons, and work. And life.
I grew up in a family that embraces depression like a big fuzzy warm hug. Depression was to blame for piles of laundry, empty pantries, bad grades, lots of time with grandparents. Always an excuse. I do not in anyway doubt that those who played the depression card were indeed clinically depressed. I don’t doubt it one bit. I’d be, too, if that were the life I’d chosen for myself. But it isn’t.
This crappy feeling of complete physical weakness from this stoopid mono has not stopped me. My bed is still made, the ids are still doing lessons, there’s been plenty of food cooked (thank you, Dear Crock Pot), and I’ve even worked in the garden, barn, and up and down steps a gazillion times while moving from Summer to Autumn clothing. Am I sad about this crippling feeling? Yes. I am VERY sad about it. I don’t like having to stop at 3p to catch my breath (literally) by not moving much. I am so very over this sore throat and throbbing ears and achy body. But you know what? I am not letting this stoopid illness nor this very real sadness cripple me. I am still moving forward.
Yes, it would be easy to let it bring me to a stand still. “Rest and you’ll recover more quickly.” Please, anyone who reads this blog and communicates with me in person, on the phone, or electronically, do not ever say that to me again. I am not going to stop. I can’t. Or rather… I am still learning. There is too much joy that fills my heart deep inside when I serve my family. Why stop that? I can get over myself.
So that’s my take on depression – too many use a moment in time’s “sadness” to envelope them and cripple them. This becomes true depression and then that depression becomes a crutch. Then a rascal scooter. Then a wheelchair. Then a hospital bed and then a grave. And not a very fulfilling life in between. I wouldn’t think. It really is heartbreaking, this depression thing.
PS – I *know* depression is REAL. I *know* there are all kinds of reasons for it, many very REAL. Don’t give me grief. I know more people “depressed” than I know people who are happy. Like breast cancer awareness month, I’m moving forward, and not letting anything or anyone stop me.
I am sorry you are dealing with this and I admire your attitude. I believe we use a lot of things as “excuses.” Good for you to keep going. I find that changing the things I choose to think about helps, too. I like to think about things that are lovely, noble, true, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. You are in my prayers.
hank you for your thoughts, Jayne. I tried to visit your blog but the new address was not working. Looking forward to the opportunity!
There is sadness and the blues and just not being happy, and then there is depression. Big difference. Been there, done that and lost a mom to it.
I lost a mom, sister, and other family members to depression as well. They just happen to not be dead. But they are no less completely lost to depression. There is a difference. A big difference. And I am sick of the word “depression” being toassed around casually just as I am tired of the words “autism” and “ADD” and “aspberger’s” being tossed around. Save it for the real thing!
I am guilty of saying that you need to rest and you’ll recover more quickly… And I’m sorry for saying it now!! I know that you get much joy out of serving your family, and I sometimes let my former profession allow me forget that we can either get busy living or get busy dying. Or maybe I should change that to “keep busy living, or get busy dying”…
You should NOT feel guilty. You only do it because you love me and I love your love! I’ve just hit a wall. An i: a slippery thing. But I keep trying to get over it!
I know you do. It’s hard for someone as busy and motivated like you to sit still, let alone rest!
You are right, people use it as an excuse. There is no reason to stop life because you are “sad’. I give you a lot of credit to keep going when you have Mono. It is a hard thing to go through, but you are teaching your children great life skills. You are such a good role model 🙂
But it’s soooo much easier to just pop a pill than to change lifestyle, look for other ways to help our mental selves,etc. This evening I saw a news article about depression in the US – I believe the number was 1 out of 10 people are on meds for depression and have been for over 2 years!
I have been depressed, didn’t realize at the time, but dealt with life and kept moving. Not being a saint, just real. Just like with physical illness, we sometimes need to look for other options to make us healthy.
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