Monday, February 16, 2015

Depression Awareness: My Story

Hello Everyone!

 

Today I have a personal post about my experiences with depression. I figured the best way to discuss depression awareness is to start with my own story.

August 2009 My Clinical Depression diagnosis 

Before I started my senior year in college, I went to the doctor for a checkup it was there that I went to her that I was feeling down lately. After having a conversation with her and describing my symptoms, she diagnosed me with Clinical Depression. Honestly already had an idea that for I was suffering from depression, especially after taking all those psychology class to obtain my B.A. in Psychology.

Dealing with Depression 

Now let's fast forward to the present. I still struggle with depression, but that doesn't mean it controls of my life. I have days that are great and then I have days that aren't so great. When I'm having a bad day, I try to remain positive. That's so important. Over the years, I've come to realize that my depression is usually based on situations that are caused by highly stressful events. 

I think one of the misconceptions of depression is people are constantly unhappy which is not true. There is hope for people that struggle with depression. Finding a treatment that works for you will help you on your journey to feel better (antidepressants, therapy etc). I know that I find therapy and medication has helped me in the past. Talking about how I feel helps me feel better and besides it's not healthy to bottle up your feelings. I also found medication helped me feel better and combat against my symptoms from depression. Having depression is challenging sometimes, but it doesn't have to control your life. There is hope and help to feel better.

Stay tuned for more upcoming posts related to depression awareness and my own personal experiences.

Side Note: I know that depression is a sensitive topic, so if anyone doesn't feel comfortable leaving a comment in the comment section below, feel free to send me an email beautyandmorebypilar@gmail.com 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

18 comments:

Jackie Harrison said...

Is good to talk about this awareness. Hi doll I nominated you for the Liebster Award come see.

Pilar said...

Thanks Jackie! I'll check out your post!

Becky said...

Thanks so much for sharing this! A while ago I could have had a case of depression from a series of events - I never went to a professional to get it checked out, but at the time I read over one of my friend's class notes on signs of depression and I was like oh shit, I hit a lot of these points.

Right now I'm fine, though. I think (I can't speak for everyone) a lot of the time, your state of mind has to do with how you view things. There's also the fact that you can let something influence you or you can do something about it. I didn't let those feelings control me, I pushed them aside and did better things with my time. Again I can't speak for everyone out there, but it's just how I dealt with it. I hope you will find or have found a way out :)

becky ♡ star violet

Unknown said...

I agree with Jackie on her comment that it's great to share awareness for depression. I think at some point in our lives, most of us go threw this ( I know I have) it's hard to talk about. Hearing people's stories of recovery is really inspiring and I think it gives a lot of hope to those who suffer from depression. Thanks for sharing your story Pilar! I Can't wait to see your next post on this!

Shireen L. Platt said...

Depression regardless how serious it is will consume the person if he/she doesn't try to seek help. I feel like there's still a stigma surrounding the subject which is unfortunate. There are more who are suffering from depression but am afraid to speak up because of the stigma and they just continue to suffer in silence until it's too late. :-(

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

Pilar said...

That's the thing about depression, for some people it's more complex to just find something else to consume their time or it's a mind over matter type issue. Sometimes treatment isn't necessary, but sometimes it is. People who are diagnosed with clinical depression have to find right the right treatment for them. I still suffer from depression time to time like I mentioned in my post, but it doesn't consume my life. There are plenty times that I'm happy :) Glad you got over your depression Becky!

Pilar said...

Thanks Ashley! It's so much stigma about depression and I find i that stigma strange because many people suffer from it. It's nothing to be ashamed about. I agree talking about depression is hard, but people don't have to suffer in silence. I agree I think at some point we all can get depressed about something or another. I plan on posting on this topic again next month.

Pilar said...

I agree Shireen, sometimes depression will consume a person if it's left untreated. Like I mentioned in a previous comment above, not everyone will have to seek treatment for depression and will get through it. However some people will need to seek treatment so they can start to feel better. I also agree the stigma about depression (in my opinion) is why so many people suffer in silence. I just wish more people would seek treatment so they can begin to enjoy life and see there is hope.

willsingformakeup said...

Such a great post on an important and misunderstood topic. It is so helpful to others dealing with depression to hear about how others cope with it. Great post!

Marie said...

Depression is a very important issue that isn't talked about as much as it should be. Thank you for sharing your experience and insight on depression. You're right, people who have depression don't have to suffer in silence especially with all the different treatments available. Great post!

Pilar said...

Thank you Lauren!

Pilar said...

Thanks Marie! I feel sharing my story was important because it help someone who has depression to seek treatment if they need help dealing with it.

A Very Sweet Blog said...

These posts are really going to help others Pilar. When I first started college I had a bout with this. I had an abusive boyfriend and was stressed out in college. Medicine helped me along with talking to a professional. Mine was more others affecting me. So once I got rid of those elements, I got better. HaHaHa
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Pilar said...

Thanks Kim! You received the treatment I did, medication and in my case a counselor. Eliminating stressful factors can also help with coping depression. Your story will help someone too, and I'm glad you feel better!

Margo said...

You are so brave to post this Pilar. I suffer from depression as well and it is a big part of my life. And I admire you for being so positive all the time, and it means a lot to me that you posted this!

Pilar said...

Thank you so much Margo! That means a lot to me to read that. Having Clinical Depression has it's challenges, but I try to stay positive and I try to inspire people as well. It took a lot of courage for me to post this, but I hope that my post will help someone else who has depression too.

Kristen Alpert said...

It is good to shine a light on this topic bc a lot ppl don't like talking about depression and ur post cud help a lot of ppl to see the signs and see a doctor about depression. It is an on going battle but as long as you stay on your meds and try to stay positive it can be managed. You are a brave person to talk about such a personally topic.

Pilar said...

Thanks. For some people depression is temporary and isn't necessarily ongoing. Medication does help, but not everyone has to take medication or go to therapy. However those who need help with dealing with depression, help is out there.

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