The Art of Depression

[keeping_afloat81]

I have suffered from depression on and off ever since I was 13. I am now 27 and still find it hard to deal with. When it first happened I did not know what it was. It was not until I did some proactive searches on the web myself and consulted with my GP that I later found out that it was indeed depression I was suffering from.

One of things I find hard to deal with is the fact that when it happens people tell me to just get over it or deal with it. I get the feeling that they think it is all in my head and that if I just change the way I think I can fight it.

Now part of me knows that it true, then there is the other part that truly believes that is a real illness and it is not as easy as just adjusting my train of thought.

The topic of depression is something even to this day with its growing numbers that is still not talked about in open social situations. I want to give it a voice, and I want to give other sufferers a voice. I want to expose it raw and show people the truth of what it is to suffer from this often debilitating illness.

I find that when I am feeling down that art gets me through. I had an idea the other day to create a performance based on real stories from real people who suffer from depression. If anyone would be willing to share their stories to help create this performance, please do post a comment.

I realise that everyone here is anonymous but you do not have to tell me who you are. I am just looking to here your story in the hopes of raising awareness of what depression is; something that people can see that shows them all the sides of depression.

So if you would like to share your story, I would be willing to listen.

Keeping_afloat81

[Monty]

Hi and welcome to the forums.

I agree 100% that the only way that we are going to get rid of the stigma of mental illness, is to make sure that it is right out there. That people understand that it is just that, and illness.

I have too many friends, that I know could be helped but are afraid of even having their doctors know about their situation.

I don't know that my story of depression, would be interesting enough for anyone to read. Other than the fact that I got to the bottom, of the bottom, and had to result to ECT (electro-convulsive therapy, shock treatments). For me it turned out ok.

Welcome to write to you about it.

If you check back in one of the groups from this forum I wrote about my experience with ECT. I think that it is actually posted as ECT.

Hope your day goes well. You are definately a pro-active person. Have found that helps a lot in dealing with depression.