Posted by Noa on June 3, 2000, at 12:36:16
In reply to Re: I'm New (whoops..very long) » Rach, posted by Tina1 on June 3, 2000, at 6:21:26
Welcome, Rach!
I am impressed with you, so young and so articulate, and well on your way to getting a handle on depression. I wish I could have done that at your age. Perhaps it was the absence of effective meds, public awareness, etc., but I also think you have a gift.
Keep this in mind: Sometimes this can be a very rocky road, with periods of struggle and frustration, but if you pick yourself up and dust yourself off, you can continue on in a forward direction. My biggest hurdle, I think, has been trying to run away from depression, rather than face it head on. And in learning to face it head on, I am learning that the most healthful thing to do is to accept myself as this person who has struggled, and may struggle again, with depression, not to reject myself for it.
Your "take life on my own terms" attitude is a good one. There are no laws dictating the pace at which you must live your life or achieve your goals. Slowing down is often very good medicine. I am glad you are able to allow yourself to do that.
Also, keep this in mind: treating depression early makes for a better prognosis. You are young and are treating your depression now. This means, hopefully, you will avoid years of damage to your brain that chronic, untreated depression can cause. The damage makes one more likely to have recurrent episodes and a worsening course. For you, that is not likely to happen, because you are getting a hold of it earlier rather than later.
Good luck on exams. What is the worst that can happen if you don't do well? Nothing that can't be dealt with, right?
Keep us posted, and Welcome.
PS---I am sure Deb from Australia will be glad for the company here !
poster:Noa
thread:35801
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/35850.html