how i overcame depression

By kate rated 8.3 out of 10, viewed 13315 times
In categories: Bulemia; Depression; Eating Disorders;
I had troubled teenage yrs, mostly in hindsight due to lack of self esteem /confidence caused by wearing braces, having bad skin and being relativly flat chested (although at the time i did not realise this) ... I felt like an ugly ducking, I had always been an attractive child (so im told!!) and felt the transional yrs toward adulthood very diffficult... I did the classic drinking too much, smoking, sleeping with too many people, late nights... shocking my parents etc.... I ended up leaving home and pregnant at 15 and gave birth when i was 16 .... My baby was stillborn and this led me into a downward spiral of depression, self hate, self destruction and bolemia bulemia. I was prone to emotional outburst, shouting panic attacks and feeling of no self control or power. i felt like the world was a dark and cruel place. i did many things i now greatly regret but understand that this was all part of my mental state at the time and part of the process of getting through what had gone before... depression seems to insist you sink to your lowest depths before being able to emerge on the other side.

how i recovered


I had many destructive, similar damaged friends but also was lucky enough to have a a couple of positive influences... I think my turning point was acknowledging what was happening ... my dad insisted i see the g.p ,who diagnosed fluxotine which i did not at first take. A youth /community worker helped me write some positive affirmations which i stuck on my bedsit door and i think rereading these really helped reprogramme or realign myself discover or rediscover my capablities, my potential etc, they helped me to see that you have a choice in life and you can choose to make yourself better from depression but only when you are ready to see that. i think from this time onward i grew stronger i went back to college as evening classes and did my a-levels at the same time i got an administrative job. It was hard to remain committed to both of these as depression still loomed in the background but i felt like i had an anchor at last. i still moved around never being in the same place for long and lived in many different shared houses and bedsits, even a couple of squats. however my commitment to getting better never went. The next pivotal time i can think of was when i decided to stop abusing my body with various drugs and excessive drinking and i moved away from the urban life I had been used to away from destructive influences etc. i am now very settled 11 yrs on i have gone from strength to strength i have nearly completed my degree, i have four lovely precious children and have a complete and fulfilling life. i work as a youth worker and hope i will be able to provide the kind of support that i had received when i was "lost". i got married six yrs ago to my partner of the past 10 yrs. he was also on the road to recovery from his own "story "of alcholoism/anger issues and deppression. although our path has not always been easy we both know the depths of depression - the associated problems and self medication and ensure that neither of us will "go under" we are bring up our children in a world of open love and ensuring as far as possible that their mental health is protected.

key things that helped me


Recognising i was lovable
Understanding that things were not all my fault (forgiving myself if they were)
Good diet
Regular sleep times
Recognising my potential
Support from some familiy and friend
Positive affirmations dispalyed somewhere i saw them regularly
Getting back in the loop of real life...slowly
Not letting setbacks stop me ...stay committed to getting better


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Comments
By deeply disturbed, 04-Jun-2009 09:00
these people who say they recover from depression are living in anther world, i have had expert help many medications and they have all been worse than useless
By still have hope, 02-Feb-2010 14:54
I struggle everyday but i am not going to give up. Thank you for sharing your story. I also thank my loving Heavenly Father and his mercy. And His unconditional love.
By Either you are out of tmsssrinaion fluid, or you n, 15-Oct-2012 10:27
Either you are out of tmsssrinaion fluid, or you need some work on your tmsssrinaion. It would probably be cheaper in the long run to buy a new car. We had to do that once. Our 94 Buick tranny went caflooey on us, and it was actually cheaper to trade in the car with a broken tmsssrinaion, on another used car. We got a 2000 Regal. The reason it cost less is because, to fix or replace a tmsssrinaion, is going to cost about $ 1200.00 to $ 1500.00, so trading it in, gives you monthly payments on a newer car without having to throw out all that big money on a tired car that may break down again soon. Was this answer helpful?
By As a current dog owner, I'm prabobly biased, but I, 17-Oct-2015 13:49
As a current dog owner, I'm prabobly biased, but I absolutely think owning a dog has been one of the healthiest choices I've ever made. They are a source of constant companionship and give SO much back to you in terms of unconditional love, companionship and even entertainment. It's really important to do your homework, though, and figure out what breed would fit in best with your lifestyle. Would dealing with shedding and fur on the carpet freak you out? Don't get a Golden Retriever you'll end up with fur in your food no matter how much you vaccuum. I know this from experience as that's the breed I own. Though I wouldn't trade him for the world he's an absolute sweetheart. Do you want a puppy or an adult dog. A puppy is a TON of work, though that's the route I've gone both times. At this point in time, I would adopt a little bit older dog to avoid the puppy stage.Once you find the perfect dog for you I absolutely believe dog ownership is a wonderful de-stresser. They ask for so little, but give back so much. Just petting a dog is a great way to unwind and forget the stress of the day. If your down or depressed, just looking at their happy faces and wagging tail can lift your spirits.There is a good bit of responsibility to having a dog. You have to spend time with them and to some degree put them first when making plans. But in my opinion it's worth it for the pleasure they can bring to your life.A dog can be a great stabilizing force in your life. Just be VERY sure to research and get the right breed for you. There'll be an adjustment period while you get to know each other, but most dogs live to please you, so if you take the time to train your dog and spend lots of time with him, he'll learn quickly what you like and don't like.Good luck with your decision!
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This recovery story is in categories: Bulemia, Depression, Eating Disorders