I'm tired of pretending not to be depressed

[get the red out]

28. Thoughts for you!

We share a lot of characteristics, it seems, except for the optimism part, that I am not. But my Mom had untreated mental illness and I knew all she wanted out of me was "bragging rights as I grew up, and that taught me to hate myself for my poor mental health. I was diagnosed at 17, but went untreated for about 17 years starting at about age 29, I hid how awful I felt and didn't participate in the world around me much, when my Dad died I was the strong one until after the funeral when I literally couldn't get out of bed, I got help again at that point.

Hang on, I if you are on meds maybe your GP could help with that, if your insurance covers that. Is there a NAMI (National Allience for the Mentally Ill) group in your area? They often offer groups and such, great resource.

It is OK to have the illness known as depression, I write that for myself as well as for you. People have chronic conditions, this is a chronic condition. I was shocked when I told my boss and co-workers about my depression and they didn't condemn me at all, one lady told me about her bout with post-partum depression and it turned out that my bosses wife is on anti-depressants (I told them because I would be having more frequent Dr appointments).

Hang on and post on, keep us up to date on how you are doing, the good folks in this group care. We also know what mental health hell is all about.

Oh, and studies show that losing a pet is just about the same as losing a human family member grief-wise. I have 2 dogs and don't even want to think about losing one of them.