Peer Support - Depression
Heya! I thought of making a thread to know your stories and also, ways you cope when you feel really down. I encourage to do a similar thread for other disorders. I can make a chat so I thought of this. Instead of therapy talk about our experiences and struggles and get support from the point of view of another one experiencing the same disorder.
I think it's better because the relation it's between equals and the experience between us is similar.
You are welcome to add resources of music, videos that lifts you up.
Thanks!
P.D: I will be adding my story soon. =)
So the questions are:
1. Tell us a bit about your story
2. What do you do to feel better when you are having a really hard time?
3. Any videos, music you want to share? (Resources)
If you feel like saying something else instead of answering these questions it's totally ok.
@Totheskyandbeyond Reading through your post, I'm really glad you suggested this. Would love to hear other people's responses as well. I had a bad depressive episode today and I'm just coming out of it, so reading a lot on depression in the forums.
1. Tell us a bit about your story. I have *rolls out the long list that extends down hallway* severe, treatment-resistant MDD, dysthymia, GAD, and, since COVID, may have some germaphobia. o.o
2. What do you do to feel better when you are having a really hard time? When I have a really hard time, like depressive episode, I just have to wait for it to pass. It's excrutiating. I try to not put myself down and combat negative thoughts to lessen the depression/crying. Once I calm down a bit I get something to eat and do something I enjoy, namely watching videos on my computer. Get my mind to focus on something else. Also doing what I'm doing now - reading about depression in the forum. Makes me feel like I'm doing something useful.
3. Any videos, music you want to share? (Resources) I have my Spotify Liked Songs list, my current favorite songs, so listening to that helps me. Mainly positive, upbeat, music that speaks to me. Makes me bounce a little in my chair perhaps to the beat. Watching a TV show that makes me laugh is helpful for me - I like The Middle and watch it with my bf... we both end up laughing (I love hearing his laugh and laughing with him!) and it takes my mind off of crappy stuff in life.
<3
@fearlessWriter78 Hi there =) I am glad to hear you are coming out of that episode. And thanks for sharing. I didn't share because like no one replied I kind of... forgot hahaha.
Story part I:
Hey! I am Marie from Panama. I am 31 years old, almost 32. I was born in August 6, 1988. It was a tough year for us in Panama, a civil war. So, my parents fled to Costa Rica. I remember a good childhood in general. When I was like 13 my parents got divorced and well my mom became hard to tolerate. She was pretty demanding with the grades and in general. Like all had to be perfect and no less.
I think, in part, that
Story part II:
My aunt got upset with me and took back the money I was getting for my studies… So, there I was, no job no studies, not nothing.
I felt like a failure, hopeless… It was awful, a really tough time for me. I entered in crisis and I went to a psychiatrist and she referred me to a certain program, a therapy for about two months and I recovered.
I thought I wanted to teach kids, but at the end I am studying to become a yoga teacher and I liked it, I just never thought about it. It was my mom, ironically, that gave the idea. So I can develop as a person for the better and help others in the way and work all at once.
I was fired of Sitel, a call center, I liked it and I needed for the money. Again, I don
Story part III:
Well before this year, 2020, last year it was great, I found a job and I love it. I still live with my family but I am out most of the time, so it's ok.
So right now, 2020, the virus made me experience anxiety at times like I want to get out but ughhh I can't. On the other hand I finally see hope with the idea of moving and have my own place which is really exciting and scary of course.
I am saving money for when I become old haha too, I am stil translating the book, and I still have to do the final exam to become a yoga teacher and the social work.
I am feeling fine today, sunday, listening instrumental music. Feeling calm. =)
Also:
There was a lot of help at all times. From strangers doing good things for me and being gentle with me, to also friends, that supported me and maybe they are not with me now, but they supported me when they were with me.
When I was in crisis, the doctors (most of them) where lovely people. I received so much help from some doctors.
It was really hard to ask for help but it
Helping others:
I am a listener in here, that provides emotional support. I decided to become a listener because I know how is to feel lonely and depressed. Like theres only darkness. And that pretty much sucks. Sometimes its really hard but other is rewarding when you heard from the other that you helped him / her feel better.
Its just awesome!
Goals:
I want to be happy not matter how and / or where I am. Be in peace with myself.
Related to that, I want to become more compassionate with me and others. Forgive more for my own sake and not take things personally.
I want my own place.
Ill try to always keep improving as a person until my last breath. I know I have a long road to go. Keep doing small things like holding the door for a stranger or pick up a can on the floor although its not mine.
At least, I know I have to improve in sooo many things. But I am aware of some stuff at least I want to change and some of my struggles. Ill realize more in time.
Quotes I love: Inspiration
Be the change you want to see in the world. - Gandhi
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. – Unknown
A good heart is the best religion – Dalai Lama
H.O.P.E. Hold on pain ends – Unknown
A winner is a dreamer that never gives up – Nelson Mandela
Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality – Bruce Lee
Failure is not falling down, but refusing to get up – Chinese proverb
Life isnt about waiting for the storm to pass; its about learning to dance in the rain. – Unknown
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention – Oscar Wilde
Being realistic is the most common path to mediocrity.
Remember:
When its dark look at the stars, they shine although theres only darkness around them.
Sorry if its too long guys. Take care! (continued.. yup I know... more yet? I'll answer my own questions if I haven't)
I would love to join
