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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 16:11:59
I'm wondering what your living status is - who here lives alone, who has a spouse, who has significant other that you live with or who comes over a lot? Who is your support system? Thanks!
Posted by allisonm on March 30, 2002, at 20:35:39
In reply to Do you live ALONE w/ your illness or what?, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 16:11:59
I live alone. My husband left me, partly he says, because he thought I would never get better and that I would be depressed for the rest of my life. My mother is dead but was often unavailable when alive because she was a chronic alcoholic and depressed herself. She tried to help me, though. My father does not understand what depression is and thinks there should not be a problem because I'm "the most level-headed girl" he knows. He also does not believe in taking drugs or going to doctors.
I tried to talk about it with a boss once because she had admitted that she'd been treated for depression before. However, she used my information against me later on.
I have lost friends over this because I was so immersed in it that they didn't really want to be around me or listen to me, so they faded away. Two of my friends know what depression feels like and can empathize, but I try not to dwell on my situation as I don't want to turn them away. Other friends have tried to guess what it's like, but do not understand why thinking positive thoughts doesn't do the trick all by itself. I also find that if I dwell on the subject, they withdraw.For this reason, I rarely talk to anyone about it anymore.
For a long time, my pdoc, who is also my therapist, was my only support system. In the last year, I have found another friend who has been through similar things and can empathize with me and has supported me. He's been feeling better -- so much so that he's off ADs. I have been feeling a lot better within the last year -- partly because I think I have a pretty good (but fairly high dose) drug combo that is finally but not perfectly working, but also because of the companionship of my friend, and a major change I have made in my life and career.
Posted by shelliR on March 30, 2002, at 21:38:50
In reply to Re: Do you live ALONE w/ your illness or what?, posted by allisonm on March 30, 2002, at 20:35:39
I also live alone. There was a time a few years ago when my meds were working that I really wanted to live with someone again. Now I have mixed feelings because I would feel guilty when I'm in so much pain. My best friend is married, and I feel guilty pulling him away from his family to sit with me, but I'm glad he loves me. I wish he didn't get married (about two years ago), he was around more.
btw, I wouldn't be suprised if Dr. Bob sent this over to PSB, but I did mention drugs, Dr. Bob.
Shelli
Posted by christophrejmc on March 31, 2002, at 1:23:30
In reply to Do you live ALONE w/ your illness or what?, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 16:11:59
I live with my parents (I'm 20), but they are definitely not my support system. I guess I am my only means of support... Usually I'm quite good at it, but there are times when I miss human interaction (may be why I'm here...).
How about you?
Posted by ST on March 31, 2002, at 4:30:51
In reply to Re: Do you live ALONE w/ your illness or what? » Janelle, posted by christophrejmc on March 31, 2002, at 1:23:30
Wow...reading these posts makes me a little sad that more people don't understand depression. Imagine how much better we'd all do if our friends and family simply *understood*, let alone *supported* us!
I lost the first love of my life because he just couldn't hold me up anymore. He didn't know what the hell was wrong with me and neither did I! Why was I doing just great one month and then teetering on the edge of suicide the next? 3 years later: Oh! manic depression, ofcourse!
I live with my boyfriend of 4 1/2 years. He was completely forwarned before we even started dating that I displayed erratic behavior, was moody, selfish and highly emotional. Oh, and that I'm manic depressive ;-) He is such a support. He just quietly and with great strength allows me to be in whatever state I'm in. He understands where it's all coming from, doesn't take most of the crazy stuff I do personally and is very easy-going. All my friends are artists, musicians or actors and have mood disorders themselves or know at least a dozen people who suffer from some kind of depression. I feel very lucky.
For those who don't have a support system - it is IMPERATIVE that you find one (this board is a start!). It makes me feel "normal" and not such a freak...
Sarah
Posted by CtrlAlt n Del on March 31, 2002, at 8:16:57
In reply to Do you live ALONE w/ your illness or what?, posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 16:11:59
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 31, 2002, at 10:52:06
In reply to Re: Do you live ALONE w/ your illness or what?, posted by ST on March 31, 2002, at 4:30:51
> Wow...reading these posts makes me a little sad that more people don't understand depression. Imagine how much better we'd all do if our friends and family simply *understood*, let alone *supported* us!
Sorry, but I do think this is a topic for PSB:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020325/msgs/21216.html
Thanks,
Bob
PS: And posting policies is a topic for PBA...
This is the end of the thread.
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