Apologies if anyone thinks I am looking for sympathy ... I AM NOT. I am writing this to get it off my chest and to help raise awareness.
I am pleased to see that more focus is being placed on removing the stigma towards how depression is perceived and that a greater awareness/understanding is being placed on mental illness.
I had a bad day today. I rang my mother for a chat and some "support" only to be told, "Pull Yourself Together!" and "You can't behave like this!". I was teary and emotional. I know in my heart and head that it was a bad day and it would pass but it is not what I needed to hear from her. I find it extremely frustrating as it is almost as if my mother will not accept that something or someone in her life is not PERFECT!!!
Yes, I know I am an adult
Yes, I am independent
Yes, I have a job
Yes, I have two beautiful daughters
BUT
YES Mom, I have depression ... deal with it. I have to.
I accept that I have down days. I know the ups outweigh the downs. I have great friends and enjoy fun times spent with them.
Why is it that some people just can't understand that depression is a illness not a disease that one can catch?
I guess I have learnt who I can depend on ... and as the Beatles said "I get by with a little help from my friends"
I am including a link to a song that always seems to make me feel better.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=bOiTaaoKca4&feature=related
Please do your bit and help create awareness.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?
