Back After Surviving Depression

Wow, you wouldn't believe what I've been through in the past three months...I don't know if you could see my gradual fall into depression, but once I fell, that was it. I went to my counselor one day feeling suicidal and after telling her my thoughts, she rushed me into her car and drove me to the nearest hospital. As you can see, I have survived this bout with depression, but so much has gone into my recovery. As you know, bipolar disorder has an up and down cycle and I was just headed to that down after my psychotic episode. I was two terms into my program when this depressive episode occurred and I had to go to a mental hospital for two weeks.

My doctors there came to the conclusion that I needed electroconvulsive shock therapy and I have been having the ECT treatments for about two months now. Between that and a change in my meds, I feel as if my life is totally turning around and I am finally finding that balance I have never had. That ol' Wicked Witch can't get my ruby slippers-- I know that now. I am back in school and I'm happy.

All of these experiences have really taught me how to survive a depression and how to deal with bipolar disorder in general. Many positive things have come into my life, like the book and DVD The Secret, a new perspective on life in general, and a desire to share my knowledge with others.
First, I would suggest taking a Bipolar quiz to see if you suffer from this disorder:

Bipolar Quiz-- keep track of the following symptoms that you have experienced:

• Abnormal or excessive elation-- feelings of undue power and self-importance
• Unusual irritability
• Decreased need for sleep
• Grandiose notions-- feelings of undue power and self-importance
• Increased talking
• Racing thoughts
• Increased sexual desire
• Markedly increased energy
• Poor judgement
• Inappropriate social behavior
• Undue mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Recless spending of money
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• At least one episode of depression (required)
  

To obtain the results of this bipolar quiz, count the number of symptoms that you have experienced. You must have experienced at least ten of these symptoms (along with at least one episode of depression) to conclude that you may indeed suffer from bipolar disorder, or, manic depression. If you do come to this conclusion, please contact a psychiatrist and set up an appointment as soon as possible.

I'd like to address the issue of how to survive a depression now...

When you experience an episode of depression, life is bleak you really don't want to survive...you want to die. Deep down, your focus is on the bad, sad, dark parts of life and with this focus, it is impossible to pull yourself out of depression. My advise is to start small. I'm not asking for miracles. I know what it's like-- I've been through it a number of times-- it's not something you can just find a magic cure for. So, start small. Here are some suggestions:

Write down one thing you're grateful for.

• Find a picture of something you really want.
• Look at some old photographs of better times.
• Buy a cup of flavored coffee or tea.
• Rent a funny movie.
• Go to a place like the mall, sit down and just watch people.
• Call a friend.
• Drive to a really nice place, like the ocean, sit in your car and just look at the view.
• Listen to your favorite song.
• Go to an animal shelter and spend some time with the animals.
• Take a walk.

Just pick one of my suggestions as a starting point. At the same time, make sure that you are seeing a counselor/psychiatrist and that your loved ones know that your having a hard time. Don't allow yourself to go through depression alone.

All The Best,

Jen