I Lived With Depression

Depression has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My earliest childhood memories are laced with the sadness. Even though I grew up with caring parents that love me, depression still hoarded my waking hours. After the death of a close friend in my early twenties, I found myself not able to deal with my feelings of sadness that had filled my life. It was a crippling depression that left me unable to stand up most days. These feelings deepened as a result of my friend's death.  I knew something was not right. I saw a doctor; he asked me when my symptoms started. I told him that I have had these feelings my entire life.  The doctor gave me prescription after prescription. I felt like a lab rat being tested on. All these different drugs and their crazy side effects that made me sick. I found a medication that worked. I had to stop taking because of the obvious side effects. I try to enjoy life. I never feel completely happy.

Enjoying life is bittersweet. I look back at my life and all the years I suffered through my depression without knowing how to deal with it. I knew I was different from other people by observing those around me. i would compare myself to them and wonder,"Whats wrong with me?"  I want to give confidence to others who understand the extended bouts of hopelessness to learn more about depression and help sufferers recognize the symptoms of depression and give guidance on how to deal with your depression. Once a treatment plan has been establish, you will become more involved with doctors. You can work with them to find a plan that works for you. There are many sources available online to get information. Even your family doctor can be a big help. If you suffer from depression, learn all you can about your condition.
If I knew that my issues were manageable, I could have learned to love life a lot sooner. I live with my depression for so long but you don't have to.