I was in my institute class today and depression was brought up as something that is a big struggle for young adults. One kid raised his hand and said in effect, "It's there whether it's real or not. I personally think it's not real most of the time..."
Wow, guys I was so close, SO CLOSE to raising my hand and say something to the effect of, "Hey, how about you stop talking about what you don't know about?"
Now, rationally I know what he was trying to say. There are lots of moments in our lives where we feel depressed but don't suffer from depression (by it's definition, a depressed mood that lasts longer than a three or four weeks). The topic was discussed throughout the rest of the class and I really wanted to just get up and do some educating. For me, it was discussed with a little less sensitivity than I felt appropriate. To the point that I might go talk to him about it. It really bothered me.
This is exactly the reason why I started this blog; to educate people on what it's really like to have depression from a personal stand-point. And to help people understand how to talk about it, how to address it.
Class was not easy for me today. I felt misunderstood or under-understood, if that makes sense? People understand depression in a general sort of way. Geez. I'm just bugged. I know, I think I'm taking it too personal but it's not just for me. It's for anyone who suffers from depression and is surrounded by people who don't take enough care concerning it.
Anyway...more later when I'm not so close to the situation..
I completely get what you mean. I felt the same just thinking about it... I think that's a frustrating stigma people have, that it's 'not real'.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, it's ALWAYS real, even if it's part of normal cycles for everyone. Ignoring it doesn't make it go away, and while for a lot of people that can /work/, it's definitely not healthy, and that's where people like us get into lots of trouble; because for us it /doesn't/ work.
It's like telling someone with a broken leg to 'get over it', 'walk it off', or 'take a tylenol' when you've finally convinced them the pain is real. That might work for a bruise or a twisted ankle, I guess.
Not that you don't know that. :P I think it's something important to help people understand; and once I'm out of the woods, and have the resources, I personally intend to do something serious about slaughtering that stigma, and helping people put in some more healthy habits/solutions instead.
So I think out of all the people I know, you're one who's definitely qualified to say something; and I'd definitely say something, maybe even ask the teacher to let me talk to everyone in the class about it.
But perhaps that's why I shouldn't be allowed to in the first place. :P
The thing that bugs me most is how even medical professionals, mainstream or alternative, also have the same stigma. You go and pay a doctor money you don't have, just so they can say the same things, if in more complicated vocabulary.
ReplyDelete"Yup! It's Broken!" Thanks. I knew that.
Anyway... sorry for hijacking your blog post. Delete if desired. :P