shame

[borci]

I feel so ashamed of being depressed.  I hate feeling depressed.  I am on medication which helps, but I know deep down I feel blue alot and that I feel alot of shame for not being able to just pull myself out of it and that I should be able to use my strong will to feel better.  Anyone else feel embarassed and ashamed about depression?

Thanks,

Borci

[borci]

thank you all for your kind words.

borci.

[zsadia]

I agree with the other two members. There's no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed about how you feel. It's not just an emotional bag of feelings you go through, it's real, it's been diagnosed, and has been established as a medical condition decades ago. You're not alone in what you go through at all. I just finished crying my lungs out a few minutes ago and logged into this site for support when i came across your post and immediately felt empowered by being able to share in and with your pain. Trust me, there are millions of Americans and members on this forum alone who have been through the exact set of emotions, pain, guilt, and suffering that you have expressed. Talking about it with someone who understands and especially one who has read and knows how to deal with a loved one who is suffering definitely helps.

Other than that I would definitely recommend seeing a professional because sometimes talking to a family member or friend while cathartic doesn't help you formulate a go-forward plan which will enable you to conquer your depression and at the end of the day feel good about yourself because YOU are the one who turned your negative feelings into positive actions. For people like us, while its easier said than done but it's EXTREMELY important to get into a daily routine and exercise. You'll be surprised that it is actually not being really busy but having an idle mind for too long that causes all those rapid negative thoughts to envelope people like us. So work out, see a therapist, and engage yourself in activities that help you maintain a positive attitude and healthy routine. Do not for a second feel that you are being selfish because if we had control over how we felt and when we felt it, depression and all other mental illnesses would have long been cured and there would be no mental health experts anymore.
Other than that, have faith, you can always ask questions and you'll be surprised by the immediate response you get from the kind folks on this forum.

Best of luck to you. May tomorrow bring us both much joy and success..........Amen!

[ShadowJewels]

Borci, at one time in my life I felt ashamed for being depressed.  Nobody understood what I was going through and I felt I should be a stronger person.  Even now when I get really bad I try to hide myself.  It has taken me years to fight through the depression to even have a job.  Nobody around me except my close family and friends know about how bad I can get.  I had to understand that no matter how strong I am, it is a chemical imbalance and I cannot change it.  The shame I felt and still feel at times is because of how others react, not the fact that I am depressed.  I have also realized that I am stronger than most because of the disability, I need to not only deal with what is going on in my life but it too.  The feeling you may not be able to change, but realize that you are strong enough to cope with it.  Dont hide yourself or put yourself down, learn instead to cope with it and make a better life for yourself.

[RainLover71]

Hang in there and never feel ashamed of a condition that millions of people around the world suffer from.It,s a condition that we don,t ask for it just happens and it,s not our fault so don,t go putting yourself down over it because with the right meds and the right treatment you can do something about it.Never feel ashamed and keep your chin up.There are always things you can do to make you happy.All the best.

[j17c27]

Do not feel ashamed...you have no reason! Depression is more than just "feeling blue" it is an actual condition. Depression comes on without our control...I mean, no one would choose to be depressed! I think you could really benefit from therapy...everyone can.  Therapists help to break down whats going through your mind, get to the root of your issues, and help build you back up to be a stronger and happier person.  We all learn to cope with depression in different ways...do not blame yourself or feel embarrassed.  You are not alone at all.  WIth the right treatments you can be rid of this.