Depression seems to creep up into people’s lives at some point. It can be caused by many things. These include post traumatic stress from a life changing event such as divorce, death, or some major life altering event that leaves the individual unable to cope in a health way. It’s a disorder that affects 5% of the Canadian population and affects 1 in 10 people aged 15 to 24. Depression is very vivid in my family’s history. Both of my maternal and paternal grandparents suffered from depression. I went through a time in my life where there was a constant cloud over my head. At first, I didn’t really know what was going on. I struggled to do the simplest things like getting out of bed or socializing with friends. It all stemmed from my diagnosis of chronic pain and chronic fatigue which occurred some months earlier. For eight months straight, I was in and out of hospitals, clinics and psychiatrist’s offices every week trying to find out what was wrong with me. Depression isn't something that can be sugarcoated. It’s one of the most frustrating and difficult things you can experience. But with so many resources available, depression is something you can cope with. I remember the day that I had a “breakthrough”. I was sitting on the beach by myself listening to music. I remember looking out into the sunset and was just continuously telling myself “I can’t cope”. At the same time a song I was listening to played out the lyrics “don’t give up”. It was one of the most vital moments in my life. All this time I suddenly realized I was actually capable of getting out of bed, seeing my friends, and of doing whatever I wanted to do. I had subconsciously put limits on myself or told myself that I simply “can’t”. From then on it was all uphill. Here are just some of things that helped really helped me:
The most important thing that I changed was my attitude towards my life and everything. I started to learn how to garden. I find that being outdoors and working my hands with the soil, on a quiet day, is up lifting. I decided to return to my sense of normalcy. I realized that a regular routine for me was important and therefore my return to my regular classes at school were good for me. Besides improving my grades, the social interaction with my peer group was fundamental in grounding me. After a period of six months, I felt that I was whole again. To date, I am aware that it is easy to become depressed again. It is something that I am distinctly aware of and have ascertained that there are certain triggers that can lead me down this dark path again. Today, I am a positive, young, healthy person that is experiencing life to its fullest. Latham A other links: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/channel/depression
13 Comments
Connor
4/16/2018 10:34:07 am
10/10 agree, you can conquer it if you believe in yourself and never give up
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Makaela
4/16/2018 10:37:35 am
I connected really deep with this blog because i also went through depression and it is so good to be reassured that your not the only one and that there are tons of people going through this and it’s ok to talk about it and reach out
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sophia ross
4/16/2018 10:39:04 am
i really enjoyed reading this blog i am inspired by your openness about your depression its very brave to speak publicly about depression but seeing you now as a happy and joyous person makes me feel happy your you and hopeful for myself
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Ella McMillan
4/16/2018 10:39:31 am
I really like this blog! I like the honesty of you talking about your own personal struggles and agree with you saying it was your outlook on life that had to change.
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Janeva
4/16/2018 10:39:49 am
Your story is so moving and inspirational. It is super brave of you to share it. Also, your use of vocabulary is exquisite! Thank you!
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Skyler welch
4/16/2018 10:40:34 am
this is so touching my dad suffers from depression based on trauma he has faced in the past and still slightly suffers from it. although he is still suffering from it it has been an amazing turn around from the last few years.
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Donovan
4/16/2018 10:41:24 am
when i was about 13-14 years old i was depressed well i just now realised back then i thought i was just sad. well reading this blog over again the one thing to help was listen to music that was the best and most effective way that i got over my deep sadness
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Georgia
4/16/2018 10:41:24 am
Fortunately I have never experienced anything like depression but I know that a lot of people go through it. I'm sorry that you had to go through that but congrats for rising above and getting back to your old self. Nice blog, I like how you integrated the links.
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brooklynn
4/16/2018 10:44:47 am
I think its really awesome how you found your breakthrough, I know so many people who have yet to find theirs yet, myself included. its really important to recognize and treat depression and i think itsgreat that you were able to do that :)))
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matthew fayle
4/16/2018 10:45:29 am
this is is a great topic and im glad that someone has now done a blog on it. It made it even more meaningful that you were able to include so much of your own experience.
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Emma
4/16/2018 10:49:20 am
I love this blog. Depression is something that runs in my family and that I've experienced first hand, so this blog really means something to me. The way that you said that it "creeps up on you" is so true. One day you can be perfectly fine and the next you can feel like you're drowning for months. I really like how you found your way out during a self reflection moment; I think that's amazing. Thank you for sharing your story and sharing your opinions on how to break out.
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Jennifer chen
4/16/2018 10:57:26 am
I really like this blog that he has used his own experience to tell us about how to cope with depression. It i d really brave to share that and really helps other to find their breakthrough.
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Faith
9/16/2022 02:03:48 pm
This is really helpful and uplifting to those who are struggling and don’t think there is a way to handle it all
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