Content warning…. Talks about pain, depression and suicidal thoughts. It’s suicide prevention awareness week, or it was. I’ve been aware of it out there but I’ve not been with it enough to say anything. And no doubt I’m still not. But something needs to be said given we keep hearing how depression and mental health…
Posts Tagged with depression
Grief: A Year On
Over the year, my grief has evolved into a being of it’s very own. Burrowed deep, it’s taken up residence in my soul. Sometimes it rests there for a week, other times it can’t sit still. The taming process – long and hard. Now she rarely escapes in public. Unless you look beneath the flesh…
Grief: when your friend dies
Content warning: this post talks openly about death, grief and depression. It may be triggering for some readers. You’ve been gone from this world for one week, but you left mine long ago. It’s months since we were in touch, years since we spoke, and longer since I last feasted my eyes on you.…
Inside my mind
I’ve struggled with my mental health for about four years now. Quite possibly I was struggling with it before but just managed it much, much better. Over that time some people have made me feel like I should get over it. That I’m not a strong enough woman if I can’t cope with what life…
Reaching In: How to Help a Friend With Depression
Have you ever struggled? Really struggled? Sometimes it’s termed depression, but it doesn’t really matter if you give it a label or not, most of us have tough times and chances are that you heard the same kind of advice I did… “You need to ask for help.” “Why don’t you ask people?” “[You] Just…
Coming Off Antidepressants When Pregnant
When I first started taking antidepressants, pregnancy was a wishful fantasy. Nevertheless, I made sure I went on one which could be taken in the unlikely event miracle I became pregnant. Fast forward just over a year, and when I first saw my doctor after finding out I was pregnant she raised the issue of my antidepressants.…
Everyone Hates Me
“Everyone hates me,” I sobbed through the phone. It was 11pm on Sunday evening and I’d called my mum because, let’s face it, who else can you call at 11pm when you’re a blubbering mess*. “Don’t be stupid” she said. It didn’t help. As I write this I want to say I didn’t used to…
My Depression Diagnosis: Getting Help In Real Time
Six weeks ago I received a depression diagnosis, signed off work and given a prescription for prozac. This is my story so far. The first few days Last night I took the pill. Washed it back with a glass of water. Three seconds later I was panicking. Freaking out. Losing it. I texted a friend, confirmed I was just…
Some Non-Expert Tips For Suicide Prevention
On Thursday night I learned that we are coming to the end of suicide prevention, as well as pre- and post-natal depression awareness, week. I wanted – no needed – to write something. I had to share my thoughts on this topic. A topic which I never imagined I would have any insight into, but have somehow…
Depression: This Shit Just Got Real
I went to the doctor’s today. Told them I wasn’t coping. Suddenly everything feels very real. “Depression” was bandied around. I haven’t been coping for the last three years, so it’s not like it’s a new thing. But I’ve had to cope, had to carry on regardless. I haven’t been allowed to stop and breath…