Posted by JerryPharmStudent on April 26, 2007, at 8:26:09
I reached out to my older brother because I had no money for food and he said - althought sorry - he couldn't help me out.
He recognizes that my parents are alcoholics and also responded with (in a diffferent email) "We have to support mom and dad and try to understand what they are going through."
However, today I receive an email about how - basically - I have the powere to snap out of depression. He meant to be nice - but it was/is clear that he thinks depression is for the weak minded and that anyone who has it can snap out of it.
My other brothers repsond the smae way - either not talking about it or trying to persuade me that it's "all in my head" and that if I only "worked hard enough, got a job..." I'd be depression free.
Here's what I wrote back
--------------------------" I know I have the power - I've kept myself alive for the 15 years I've had depression. I've done a lot of soul-searching and have tried my very best to keep on movin' even tho the clinical depression says otherwise. I've soloed with symphonies, composed music, don't a lot of great things - however, I still suffer everyday and it's something I have to use all my strength to keep at bay so it doesn't snowball.
Clinical depression is an illness like diabetes or cancer - it's not laziness or just feeling blue. It clouds your whole world - robs you of energy, motivation - causes extreme mental anguish. I'd gladly take physical pain over it anyday.
But just because it is all that - that does not mean I give up - if I were to give up I'd be dead quite frankly. People who commit suicide aren't just loonies you see on the news - there are bright, intelligent people who do it because they feel there is no way out - nothing that can help them - no one to support them.
I'm not advocating suicide - but instead trying to point out that many people still do not understand clinical depression and who think that it's jsut something one can snap out of.
If I could snap out of it - I SURELY would have by now - TRUST ME.
One wouldn't tell someone with cancer to snap out of it?
There is a huge stigma against people with mental illness and that is saddening.
Medications and therapy help people tremendously - however, I do not advocate simply popping pills to rid oneself of depression. You must learn about it, find support, reach out - ask for help when needed and work as hard as you can to battle the depression. For many - depression usually goes away by itself after a couple years. For many more - it does not. Millions of Americans suffer from depression even while taking a medication. Unfortunately, our understanding of how the brain works is in its infancy and hopefully one day - like on Star Trek - we'll have doctor's simply attach a cortical stimulator to our heads to fix the imbalance of neurhormones, etc.
Until then, I do what I can do to get by. I take medication, I go to support groups and I try to reach out to my brothers, sister and parents for support and understanding.
Thanks for your email."
------------------------------What can one do? I can't change their minds.
Frustrated
Jerry
poster:JerryPharmStudent
thread:753563
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070426/msgs/753563.html