Dealing with Depression and other Issues

I am probably the poster child (poster woman,person) for dealing with depression and other issues. For most of my adult life - maybe even all of it - I have battled with depression and OCD type issues.

Why do I mention it now you ask? Not sure, but I sort of feel that maybe it's worth sharing so that maybe just I can help one person out there not feel alone or scared if they are dealing with similar issues.

I wasn't always a depressed person. I'm still not always depressed. I think my real depression began after my sister died. Handling things regarding my parents played a huge part in my depression. I was also in a very love-less marriage, even though I think we were friends. This contributed to my depression.

I never really dealt with the depression, but always found a way to hide it or mask how I was really feeling. Not healthy. It's not like I didn't have resources, because I did. I think I just didn't want to deal with it or even face the fact that I felt the way I did. At the time, I think I thought it was easier to fake it.

I battled with my weight, which again, contributed to my depression. I was unhappy with the way I looked and felt physically....which then translated into being depressed about it. Insecurity is an evil friend....no friend at all!!

Fast forward a few years.....my current marriage wasn't perfect (too many events to mention), my children (at least I felt this way) didn't appreciate me, still dealing with weight, and overcoming the grief of losing both my parents.....equals depression. It wasn't until my doctor and I got to talking that I realized I really was depressed. (this was about 4 years ago)

Today....I am happy. I find joy. I expect good things. I reward the world with my smile. I could go on and on. I have learned to let God handle things. Carrying the world on my shoulders is meaningless and doesn't bring the happiness I so desperately wanted into my life.

How do you ask did I achieve this. Ok, I'll have to admit that I do take daily medication for the depression. It's a chemical imbalance that inhibits ME from dealing with every day stresses or depressing things. But most importantly, I emotionally allow myself to feel what I do, and I don't ignore it. I talk if I have to, and I listen when I should. I surround myself with people who lift me up when I'm down, and center me when I need it.

Learning to trust people has been the hardest lesson of all for me. So many people have let me down in the past that I couldn't let my guard down. This can eat away at your heart, and make you miss out on the sunny things that happen in your life. I trust the circle of people in my life. While I firmly believe that trust is earned, I trust freely.

I know that God has placed me here for a reason.....for good.....to find happiness and to share His love with anyone and everyone. When I let it all go....it is whatever makes me sad or feel down......all the joy just comes to me. It's so easy...who knew?

I have good and bad days just like everyone else. But I let the sunshine in when it's grey.....cry when I need to......and embrace the world. There are silver linings.....

Believe in yourself.....follow your dreams......let people help you......share your gifts and blessings.....tell those you love often that they mean the world to you......do what makes you happy......

I guarantee that when things look bleek.....you'll see it in a totally different way.....when you allow it to roll off.....accept the negative but face it in a positive manner.

Let me know how it works out for you.....
Peace.