Me and my granddaughter
I am 41 years old, and have been living with depression most of my life, however, I was not diagnosed until May of 2009 – after a suicide attempt.
There have been periods in my life where I felt an overwhelming sadness. I knew what I was feeling was not “normal” but I lacked the ability to ask for help. I always seemed to get through these episodes. However, after several traumatic – to me – life events and being diagnosed with Adult Onset Asthma, and Type II Diabetes I entered a severe state of depression. During this time, an anxiety disorder that I already had, became less and less manageable, eventually leading to me being barely able to leave my house.
The suicide attempt changed my life – instead of ending it. I began receiving treatment for Major Depression, and anxiety. My treatment has included medications, and counselling. It also included a short stay in a state run psychiatric hospital. Depression treatment, and trying to improve my mental health has been one of the most difficult struggles I have ever had to face. I still have many days filled with depression symptoms, but at least I no longer have suicidal thoughts.
I use my blog as a place to share my continued struggles with my mental health, and my other illnesses – as well as a place where I can talk about my personal growth. My hope is people visiting my blog can see they are not alone in with their own mental health issues/mental illness. If I can inspire even one person to seek help for their own mental health struggles then I will consider baring my soul on these pages well worth it.
Oh my, you have had your fill of your body declaring it needs help. Any one of those illnesses is major.
You have my very best wishes in living with and coping with each of these conditions. I hope you have hotline numbers posted for any of the conditions that warrant it.
Here's hoping your blog will aid you in a place to feel support and be heard about whatever you choose to write about.
Hugs from across the blogosphere,
Gel
That was very nice of you to say. I am doing better with my depression, that is a wonderful thing. My asthma has gotten worse this year but I have a better attitude about it, so I can mentally handle better than I used to.
Oh my, you have had your fill of your body declaring it needs help. Any one of those illnesses is major.
You have my very best wishes in living with and coping with each of these conditions. I hope you have hotline numbers posted for any of the conditions that warrant it.
Here’s hoping your blog will aid you in a place to feel support and be heard about whatever you choose to write about.
Hugs from across the blogosphere,
Gel
That was very nice of you to say. I am doing better with my depression, that is a wonderful thing. My asthma has gotten worse this year but I have a better attitude about it, so I can mentally handle better than I used to.
My dad told me that my grandma has some of her people buried in Blaine. She was Cherokee, hard to find my history because her maiden name was either Gipson or Gibson. Her parents changed their name from Hicks or Byrd or Bird so they wouldn't be force to leave their land on the Trail of Tears. I am not having any luck with my ancestry but found your article interesting. My dad went to school in Talking Rock when he was younger. The school where he went to is no longer there but his memories are still there.
I am sorry for your health, asthma isn't any fun at all. Have you tried going to an Chiropractor or Massage Therapy. I was diagnose with Brochitis about 15 years ago. My wife is a LMT and massage my shoulders and it really helps me breath better. I thought one time I was having an heart attach, I couldn't breath hardly, but my wife massaged the knot out of my shoulders.
She works at Hot Spot Tan in Ball Ground. I hope you get feeling better.
My dad told me that my grandma has some of her people buried in Blaine. She was Cherokee, hard to find my history because her maiden name was either Gipson or Gibson. Her parents changed their name from Hicks or Byrd or Bird so they wouldn’t be force to leave their land on the Trail of Tears. I am not having any luck with my ancestry but found your article interesting. My dad went to school in Talking Rock when he was younger. The school where he went to is no longer there but his memories are still there.
I am sorry for your health, asthma isn’t any fun at all. Have you tried going to an Chiropractor or Massage Therapy. I was diagnose with Brochitis about 15 years ago. My wife is a LMT and massage my shoulders and it really helps me breath better. I thought one time I was having an heart attach, I couldn’t breath hardly, but my wife massaged the knot out of my shoulders.
She works at Hot Spot Tan in Ball Ground. I hope you get feeling better.
Hi Melissa,
I share some of the same struggles that you share here. I also blog and work to help others by sharing my story. It is great to know you on Twitter and now here on your blog. I look forward to sharing the journey!
Amy
My recent post A New Way to Share My Voice
Hi Melissa,
I share some of the same struggles that you share here. I also blog and work to help others by sharing my story. It is great to know you on Twitter and now here on your blog. I look forward to sharing the journey!
Amy
My recent post A New Way to Share My Voice
Thanks for stopping by, I am looking forward to getting to know you.
Thanks for stopping by, I am looking forward to getting to know you.
Ms. M, noticed Diesel Lady follows you. I too am a T2 Diabetic and have been one since I was 16. I am much older now. Working with a med change for my T2. When I was young I coped with Depression and Anxiety that I later learned was brought on by my fluctuating sugar levels. As I gained control of my levels the depression and anxiety left. Depression and Anxiety have long been associated with Diabetes. It is just as important to get a good blood exam as well as a mental health exam. IE white,red cell counts,pituitary,thyroid,and other hormone producting gland exams. A full female parts exam. Your body can be unwell and definitely effect you mentally. And frankly in this crazy scarey world with the tough life experiences many ladies have experienced I’d say you would be crazy not to be a little depressed and anxious. But I want to encourage you. You will come through this and there is light at the end of the tunnel. My walk with the Lord has helped me tremendously and often I would read the Pslams and the prayers of King David. He was often afraid and depressed. I also pay close attention to taking my supplements. I take a subliguial B complex, CoQ ten, CLA and a good multi ivitamin n a powder pack I add water. If I have trouble sleeping I take a 3 mg Melotonine. Lack of sleep can agravate high sugar levels,obesity,and mental health issues. They use sleep deprevation to break prisioners you know. So hang in there girl. You look like a very strong lady to me. Don’t let old Satan whisper in your ear and tell different. I come against him for you. Heavenly father send your mighty angels around about this sister girl. Take care. Tru
Tru,
I just love @diesalady she is a precious woman.
Thank you so much for taking the time to come here and share your story. It means so much to me. Your walk with the Lord as you have learned how to manage your T2 and the mental health issues is very inspiring. I really needed to hear your encouragement. Knowing that you are there for me with the Lord makes me feel stronger and more positive. Your visit here has been a gift to me.
Thank you!
Hey Mel, I wanted to thank you for sharing your story and adventures with me (and everyone else out there)
I know that writing about my battles with depression has helped me tremendously.
I have nominated you for the VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD at my blog.
Thank you for you amazing blog and your helpful comments at my blog.
http://panicmonster.com/2011/05/12/guess-who-got-an-award/
Follow the instructions from my post if You would like to accept the award.
Wow! I will head over there right now! Thank you!
♥♥I remember the first time Melissa wrote on FB. It was beautiful.Melissa really touched my heart.I could feel her emotions..just flow out of her.I remember telling her..you can’t stop you have to keep on writing.Melissa was so surprised by my reaction ..as I was by her response.I told her no..you keep going your Amazing.I believe in Melissa’s writing she touched all our hearts in a very special way.Melissa I will miss you so much TYSM for touching my heart & having me in your life…RIP xo