THE DEMON WITHIN (My Experience of Depression)

Member Name: paulc20001

Product:	My Experience of Depression
Date:	11/01/02 (36 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: can only make you stronger afterward

Disadvantages: health problems, suicidal tendencies, drags you down

Normally known for reviewing films, I thought it was time for me to take a "time out" and hopefully give some useful advice on a subject which probably effects more people today than ever before - the subject being depression.

It is widely thought that this is rather a state of mind rather than an illness. Well, yes, it is a state of mind, and a very difficult one at that to get out of. But more and more these days it is being commonly recognised as an illness, alongside that of debility (or stress to you and I).

So what causes depression? There are many factors which can cause this effect. It is not merely a case of being "stuck in a rut". Money worries, death of a loved one, a relationship break-up, a new born baby, redundancy. The list is endless. There is no one single factor that can be pin-pointed in the lead up to someone suffering from depression. The biggest question is how to deal with it, and, ultimately, beat the blues.

1) First and definitely foremost, determine the reason behind it. The above (money worries, etc) are only possibles. The list is not exhaustive. To tackle this head on is the most difficult part. Once you can determine what is getting you down you are one step nearer to kicking those blues away. You may not be able to do this by yourself, so be brave and talk it through. This may be with a loved one, family member or your local GP. Get it off your chest, believe me it helps.

2) Secondly, listen to your FRIENDS! These are the people who are around you 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. Their advice may not always be correct, but it will certainly help. They see things that you don't, and can give you clarity. People are full of advice, and a real friend will be more than willing to help and listen. Don't be shy, talk it through with someone you trust.

3) Thirdly, pay a visit to your local GP. He/she is paid to help you don't forget. They deal with this kind of thin
g on a daily basis, and you are most definitely not alone. Don't be afraid that they will palm you off with a course of tranquilisers or a visit to your friendly local psychologist. That's the last thing that they (and you) will want if its not required. Remember, it's an illness and nothing more. So it needs to be treated.

4) Fourthly, remember what makes you happy, and make it a goal in your life again. Beating the blues is a state of mind initially, so focus on something positive. It can make all the difference, and it doesn't really matter as long as YOU enjoy it (and it's not illegal!). Choose your goal, set a target or time frame to achieve it and GO FOR IT!

5) Fifthly, but maybe this should have come first - DON'T THINK SUICIDE IS A WAY OUT!!! This is not an option. A wise man once said "it is a brave man/woman who takes their own life". What a load of crap! Maybe it does take a lot of guts. But look at it this way, and I mean this 100%. IS THERE ANY ONE THING IN THIS LIFE OF OURS THAT IS WORTH ENDING A LIFE FOR? For those of you reading this then I thank you for your resounding "NO" in response to that last question. We all have something to achieve and offer in this life, so why cut it short? Remember, no matter who you are we are all special and deserve better than this. If it gets this bad and no-one will listen (or so you think) there are helplines available you can contact, such as The Samaritans.

Ok, so this is not a fool-proof plan. Indeed it is not a plan at all. It is merely good advice from someone who knows exactly what he is talking about. Yes I have been there. I have visited Depression-ville on one occasion, didn't like it, so I packed my bags and split the joint! The greatest assets that you have are yourself and time. Time is a very great healer. It is not a cliché, it's one of the truest statements known to man. Be your own boss, face your enemy head on, set a
goal and GO FOR IT! Inject a little humour into your life, and get your life back from the demon that will eat you up, spit you out, and enjoy it in the process. Fight back. There is light at the end of the tunnel if you're willing to tough it out. And you will. It just takes time. And you know what? When you come out the other side you will be stronger.

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