October 11, 2010

Speechless.

I haven't written a word for over 6 weeks and in my world, that's a lifetime.

It's highly unusual that I haven't been scribing on my other blog, on the usual daily basis. In fact, I have been so creatively inactive, that my typing skills have consequentially suffered.

You see, I suffer from the blues...especially in Winter, and what I've recently discovered, is that I am not alone.

More and more people I meet [especially women] are telling me that they too, suffer from depression.

I first suffered from the condition when I was just 16 years old...it all began on my 16th birthday in fact, and since then, i've been through everything from life threatening bouts, medication and near hospitalisation, to independent travel, drug-free years, and elation.

But depression is like any illness, it needs to be kept in check and one can not become lazy...Winter makes me lazy, and I forget how easy it is to slide back into anxiety, sadness and lethargy.

When I first fell ill, to discuss depression was taboo...to do so led to rumours flying and being ostracised. I am glad that now, 20 years later, people are more open to sharing their experiences. Thankfully, depression is no longer a dirty word, and with 20% of the Australian population affected by it, it's about time.

I have been neglectful of my friends, distant to my family, and in no mood to write, so it's good that even though this post is is no way entertaining, creative or amusing, sharing why I've been a hermit, seems to in fact been the commencement of my re-emergence. 

Watch this space...

Oui

2 comments:

  1. *puts up hand* Me too.

    In fact my relationship with depression probably started in late primary school. Back when the experts didn't believe children could *be* depressed.

    Like you I view anxiety and the urge to retreat from my life as calling cards for my condition. And like you I'm truly grateful that that crucial first step: acknowledging that you are locked in a downward spin, no longer has the stigma it once did.

    Hoping it gets easier for you to see life's bright colours real soon Missy. Xxx

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