J-Pizzie Lifestyle

More digital sillynonsense from Jeff Putz

Member's time: 11/27/2007 9:08:27 AM

OK, so the TV commercials for anti-depressants are funny and dramatic. They make me giggle because they're so absurd. But I think I have to admit that I'm a little depressed right now.

In thinking about it, I got it all backward though. I thought that I was getting depressed because I was eating poorly, not executing on projects and generally just opting to sit around whenever I could. But those are the symptoms, not the cause.

The cause is environmental. It's leaving for work before the sun cracks the horizon and getting home in the dark. I generally feel that life is kicking ass for the most part, so the only thing that's left is the chemical response to environmental stimuli. In other words, seasonal affective disorder. Best acronym ever.

I don't know if there's anything I can really do about it other than suck it up and try to fight through it. When volleyball really gets started, that will certainly help because I'll get more exercise. Until then, I just need to do my best to get out in the sun when it's available and hope for the best.

Comments

Edit # Carrie

11/27/2007 9:22:31 AM

Depression is one of the more misunderstood ailments that exist. It is really unfortunate, but because people can't "see" it, they don't always believe it. And there are way too many people willing to blame the sufferer and think they have the power to "switch" the symptoms off if they would just choose to. Depression is a much more complicated concept than that.

Edit # CPLady

11/27/2007 10:03:31 AM

too many people willing to blame the sufferer and think they have the power to "switch" the symptoms off if they would just choose to

Which makes it just as difficult for those of us who live and deal with those who are suffering from depression. After a while, it gets old when depression is the excuse given for everything and being told we have to be "understanding and deal with it" because they "can't help it".

Having lived with a chronic depressive and dealing with these issues for 15 years, I have learned sufferers do have the power to change the way they deal and react to depression.

Just like Jeff said, you can't stop depression from happening, especially chemical or environmental depression. It will be there whether you want it to be or not. But sufferers can ease their symptoms by forcing themselves to take action instead of giving in to it.

Edit # Carrie

11/27/2007 10:14:48 AM

I have lived with two chronic depressives who both dealt with their symptoms differently. I never said it is acceptable to use depression as an excuse or as a crutch for certain behavior.

I was simply trying to agree that it is real and that not everyone understands that.

Edit # CPLady

11/27/2007 12:33:23 PM

^I've had to explain to friends why I'm more willing to be understanding and put up with things most would not from their significant others. In their eyes, I should just lay down the law and expect change or walk away. They certainly don't understand it's not that simple.

But in some respects, they are right. I can't let the depression "excuse" be used to take advantage of me either. As you said, it's complicated and each case must be taken separately. There is only so much others are willing to take from depressed people who push away any attempts to help.

Compose your comment here:

Name:
URL (include http://):
Remember me

Submit comment