This is just a reminder that the opposite of depression is not happiness. The opposite of depression is vitality.
Everything is just so, so hard to do.
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one woman's experience with mental illness
This is the best description of my own Bipolar II symptoms which I have found to date. Here is the link to the full article. (To my loved ones: please be aware that I am on several helpful medications. I am not feeling suicidal.)
Hypomanic Episodes: Hypomania is a mild version of mania where the symptoms are the same [as bipolar I] but are less intense – they only need to last four days and do not significantly impair a person’s functioning. Many people find they are more productive and have positive social interactions when hypomanic. Others find that although a single hypomanic episode does not cause much impairment, repeated episodes negatively affect finances, social relationships, and/or work performance.
Major Depressive Episodes (MDEs): Depression is the down state when people feel sad or blue, or simply cannot enjoy anything. This state tends to be characterized by changes in sleep, appetite and weight, energy, and cognitive (thinking) abilities. People may feel worthless and guilty, and may consider suicide.
Major depressive episode is defined as a period of at least two weeks with five or more of the following symptoms:
o Depressed mood and/or anhedonia (an inability to take pleasure in things, or greatly diminished interest in activities usually enjoyed)
and
o A decrease or increase in appetite; weight loss or gain
o Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia)
o Feeling physically slowed down or physically restless
o Fatigue or loss of energy
o Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
o Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
o Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
4 comments:
I wish more people understood that fact. I suppose it is part of my responsibility to inform them. But it becomes sooo tiresome to keep having to do it.
Yes. I think I've said it here three times myself. I can enjoy my family while depressed, laugh, feel hopeful. But simple things like making dinner or writing a letter are very difficult.
By the way, I admire your life, Jessica. If I did have energy I could count on, I'd like to do something similar. You inspire me. Thanks for reading my blog and for commenting.
I'm sorry you are struggling. I wish I could help. Love you.
i'm doing another thang on mental illness
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