Depression Tribe

I couldn't agree with you more. I hate that "Life is what you make it" phrase! Life is what someone makes it if they actually have control over their emotions which govern the aspects of their life. But anyone like us who has health problems which govern their emotions, their beliefs, their decisions, life is not what they make it. If I had never gotten these problems starting at age 14 right at the prime of my life, I would have been so much farther in my life. I would be doing so much more and be like a million times happier. But I never got that choice. I got pushed into having to fight and fight everyday to even feel as close to okay as I can. I struggle through each and every day. If "life was what I make it", then my life would be a hell of a lot better.

I can't stand that "life is what you make it" comment. It's bullsh*t. Complete and utter bullsh*t. It's like being told to "just go out and have some fun in the sun" - which is a "cure" for depression that we are too dumb to supposedly figure out.

Another great comment is when people say to you: "what do YOU have to be depressed about?"

I appreciate this.  I seem to be the only one in my whole family, other than my son, who goes through this.  I am embarrassed and tired.  I share the same thing you describe:  "panic, cry, hide and make excuses".  Everything is so hard right now.  It makes me tired, and I put myself down because I seem to be the only one who continues to have this day after day.  I've fought through it for my whole life, and I am disheartened that it may never end.  Thanks for writing.

No, we do not choose the things that befall us.  However,with information, support, and professional help( and medications, we can ameliorate our condition.  Information about our condition, informs us of the dynamics of our condition so that we do not exaccerbate our condition

 We can learn the security of a schedule, a schedule creates a security of knowing what comes next.

 We can practice good health (mental issues are very stressful-prolonged stress impacts our immune system- a degraded immune system leads to more health problems, poor health increases our depression and so the vicious cycle goes.)  This vicious cycle depletes the nutrition stores of the body--therefore the need for nutrient rich meals.

  Then we need to introduce exercise, since exercise helps us metabolise our food efficiently. It exercises the heart which oxygenated the body and brings clean blood to our systems

The first thing the therapist did when I went to my appointment was to give me a book on my condition so I could inform myself and cooperate with the therapy.

No we do not govern what happens to us.  However, our reaction to it  will govern how fast we can return to a life of "normalcy."

We need to meditate to keep the stress level down.

I hear that all the time too!

I believe we have to go through everything we have, in order to be where we are today...I'm dealing with my issues on a daily basis and it isn't easy. Some people, who judge, but mostly just don't understand because they live the happy bubbly life all the time, will always be there to say something we don't want to hear.

Just remember you aren't alone...that's what helps me get by, and ever since I found this site...the emotional pain hasn't been as bad as when I thought I was alone...

Cheers:)