Comments on A Peek at Karen's World: The Truth

I'm sorry I didn't read this sooner. I'...

2012-01-06T16:42:42.176-08:00

I'm sorry I didn't read this sooner. I'm a couple days behind on blog reading(shower preparations keeping me busy:). You are a brave girl and I love you. I also hope you find someone that can help you get on the right track to feeling better. I was giving you space but I hope you know I'm not going anywhere:-)

Perhaps a little medical mary jane can help? J/k....

2012-01-06T01:18:51.064-08:00

Perhaps a little medical mary jane can help? J/k...(kinda). Maybe I could test it out for you LOL! I kid. On a serious note, it helps to know that one of the smartest, funniest, most caring, insigtful, brilliant minds I know also has struggles in life. The good news is, you are a bad A and can kick this thing in the bum! Love you Karen! Never feel like you can't call me!!! xoxo

It's strange how hard it can be to admit it to...

2012-01-05T19:38:06.974-08:00

It's strange how hard it can be to admit it to ourselves. When I first started residency, I was so burnt out and plain miserable. I couldn't sleep, I skipped things I loved to do. I was approaching complete burn out fast. But rather than get help, I felt embarrassed, because all my fellow residents acted so happy. I luckily made it through that time, but I think of how much my life and my family suffered because I wasn't brave enough to admit that I needed help.

Huge hugs your way.

Ah yes, the story of my life. I've been in th...

2012-01-05T11:39:40.817-08:00

Ah yes, the story of my life. I've been in the same "lack of emotion yet emotional overdrive slump" for about 3 years now. I have myself convinced that if I just get a different job or a different place to live, I'll find the happiness I once felt. Best of luck to you and getting past the darkness, and just remember, you can grow even in darkness. I'm here if you need me. I'm still here even if don't need me.

It effects so many of us. 2011 was a rough year fo...

2012-01-05T10:53:15.880-08:00

It effects so many of us. 2011 was a rough year for me for many reasons. I was down for a good six months. Things are a lot better now because I have a plan. Sometimes, it's not about medication or therapy, I'm not a big fan of either for me. It's about recognizing the problem, talking about it whether it be with family or friends, or here on your blog and taking steps to recover. That's not to say that doctors, medicine and therapy aren't right for you. We all have our own path. Good luck!

I can't imagine how terrifying it must have be...

2012-01-05T10:43:23.814-08:00

I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been to publish this post. But you did it. You've recognized that something's wrong, and you want to fix it. And that's such a huge part of the battle. I'm rooting for you--I know you can make it through this.

You know, just writing and publishing this post is...

2012-01-05T09:39:19.302-08:00

You know, just writing and publishing this post is a huge step in making progress. It was a brave thing for you to do and certainly not an easy thing, either. I've written about my depression in graphic detail on my blog so I completely understand how scary it can be to put it out there in such a public arena.

For those who tell you to suck it up and just be happy with what you have, have obviously never suffered from depression. You can't just suck it up and fake the smile all the time. It takes way too much energy to fake happiness than it does to deal with your depression, as wierd as that may sound but I have a feeling you understand what I mean.

I recently switched psychiatrists and therapists and am now on a new medication regimen and I feel so much better already. Plus, just getting out of the house on the sunny days and forcing myself to exercise has helped.

You're not a fraud. Even depressed people have good days. And even though you have a job, good friends, a roof over your head, depression can be a chemical inbalance...something you may have very little control over.

Take baby steps, my friend. Maybe that's talking to a therapist, maybe it's getting on meds, maybe it's getting outdoors more often when the sun is out. Whatever it is, just take care of you. And know you have a huge support system of friends out here who want to see you happy and healthy!

Thank you for sharing this. You are very brave and...

2012-01-05T04:12:39.482-08:00

Thank you for sharing this. You are very brave and I think it is a good step for ya. Hug! I have also been concerned about ya a lot lately but just haven't known how to help. I like to be a fixer and make everyone laugh and happy and when I can't it kills me. SO I have been praying for ya. Here to love and support ya always in whatever direction you take next.

You are not alone! I am right there with ya! Go s...

2012-01-04T22:30:45.106-08:00

You are not alone! I am right there with ya! Go see your doctor. I am! I am going to start taking care of myself. That is my goal for this year. The first step is admitting the problem... :D Best wishes!

Major kudos to you for posting up about this. From...

2012-01-04T22:24:28.610-08:00

Major kudos to you for posting up about this. From what I've experienced with loved ones who have depression, recognising that you have it is a pretty big step in itself.

Whatever happens, know that you've got a strong support group right here.

Lots of hugs to you, Karen. Therapy works. Give it...

2012-01-04T21:35:29.974-08:00

Lots of hugs to you, Karen. Therapy works. Give it a shot.

Or emailing you bloggy homie in Nor Cal works, too!

A whole lot of people who know a whole lot more ab...

2012-01-04T20:09:54.217-08:00

A whole lot of people who know a whole lot more about this stuff than I do are going to offer much better advice than I could, so I'm going to let them. I'll just offer you a virtual hug.

i can feel the heartbeat behind this post. i think...

2012-01-04T18:58:25.242-08:00

i can feel the heartbeat behind this post. i think it is beautiful and brave for you to share. in sharing you will find out that you are not alone and there is not only comfort in that but also there can often be strength in dealing with it...learning to deal with it.

i suffered for years, then got help, started talking about it, went on meds for a few years and slowly weened off of them and have been med free for several years. i still have my "Blue days" but i am able to find my way out of them fairly quickly.

love this. thank you for sharing.

You are brave and smart to admit this to yourself....

2012-01-04T17:43:32.218-08:00

You are brave and smart to admit this to yourself. The first step is to see your doctor. From there you can decide how to treat your depression. I hope you will take that first step very soon. You will be in my thoughts.

Dear Karen. If there is one thing I've learnt ...

2012-01-04T16:46:58.812-08:00

Dear Karen. If there is one thing I've learnt through this journey of life (living with anxiety and depression for most of it) - is that there are so many differing opinions, views, expectations in relation to how one should cope/manage/overcome this 'condition'. I don't give advice, but am happy to share some thoughts and experiences. I struggled with the thought of taking medication - the ultimate weakness I originally thought. Praise God I got over that - medication has been a significant part of my ability to manage this condition. It's also so easy to punish ourselves for not being what we think the world expects. If anything is going to compound the feeling of being depressed - this has got to be one of the big ones. I don't know about you - but I have often been a big enough critic of myself - there was no need to go looking for further avenues of discovering what a disappointment I was. I used to think I had to conquer this depressive state - and although there were practical things that I can do (and which do help) - like a bit of exercise; trying to eat reasonably well; and finding a therapist who I could relate to and feel comfortable with) - the reality for me has been that I just have to ride out the storm. I have found writing to be my saviour on many occasions - something about getting those feelings out of your head/heart and setting them free in some way. I needed to learn to love myself - with all my inadequacies/imperfections and really self loathing. My faith has also been a cornerstone of my being - and although I felt like a failure of that as well - the truth of unconditional love transcends our desire to beat ourselves up. Casting Crowns have a song - Praise Him in the Storm'. The words of that song hold great solace for me - even when it really brings me to tears when I'm walking through the valley.
Simply know there are many people who care about how you're feeling right now - and how much admiration we hold for the courage you have shown to share your thoughts. Every best wish and healing thought I send to you right now. Jeff.

Oh Dear, how awful. I Have been there as well. Y...

2012-01-04T15:52:38.211-08:00

Oh Dear, how awful.

I Have been there as well. You must take care of yourself. Get to the Doctor. Not because you're weak, because your'e sick. I know. This happens to so many people...you CAN get through it!!

Oh, sista! Been there, done that...especially in t...

2012-01-04T13:50:52.835-08:00

Oh, sista! Been there, done that...especially in the last 2 years.

I was a basketcase of emotional turmoil on New Year's Eve and Day because (like you) I have it good but I was suddenly missing 'something'. I got past it (for now) when people arrived for the game, but it creeps up on you unexpectedly.

I'd suggest you see a doctor and (maybe) try some meds. Sometimes we just need a little extra help to get through it.

(((HUGS)))

Huge cyber hugs to you. I have had a lot of peopl...

2012-01-04T13:26:17.277-08:00

Huge cyber hugs to you. I have had a lot of people close to me battle depression and similar demons. Most have conquered it. Some have not. It is a horrible, difficult thing, and not something anyone can really understand until they've been there.

It was amazingly brave of you to post this, and I believe it is a major step in the right direction.

I also think that your amazing spirit and huge heart will enable you to beat this negative and even turn it into a positive.

Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do to help.

Kudos to you for recognizing your depression. I d...

2012-01-04T12:03:01.453-08:00

Kudos to you for recognizing your depression. I didn't see mine for what it was until months after I had pulled out of it. It made me realize who really cared about me, because even though I had alienated them and isolated myself, my real friends were still there for me afterwards. I love them exponentially more now. Depression also taught me to be less judgemental and more understanding.

Well, dang it! I'm sorry you're having thi...

2012-01-04T11:18:36.294-08:00

Well, dang it! I'm sorry you're having this issue. Sending good thoughts your way so that you'll get the exact care you need! For now, go get some chocolate! :)Prayers & Hugs

Sorry Karen. You know I'm here for you. Alway...

2012-01-04T09:44:22.396-08:00

Sorry Karen. You know I'm here for you. Always!

Take advantage of your great healthcare benefits and go seek help. I'll bet a therapist or maybe even medication will really help you.

Stay close to your Heavenly Father. He will help you. He knows you. He loves you.

Depression is hard to face and even harder to over...

2012-01-04T09:05:35.466-08:00

Depression is hard to face and even harder to overcome. But there is help available and lots of people who know exactly how you're feeling. You know you aren't alone!
2012 is going to be a great year for you Karen. I just know it!

KAREN ~ If I knew the answer, I promise I would te...

2012-01-04T08:56:06.910-08:00

KAREN ~
If I knew the answer, I promise I would tell it to you. But if I knew the answer, I wouldn't be in the same boat with you.

All I can tell you is that the thought of suicide crosses my mind just about every single day (sometimes multiple times per day). Why? Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this world." In other words, this is NOT the world according to God.

Satan has been temporarily granted power in "this world" and until Jesus returns to reform it according to God's blueprint, it's going to suck. Some good, plenty bad.

As far as I know, all we can do is accept the Forgiveness offered us, pray often, help others when we can, and remember that Jesus said, "hold fast what you have till I come"; "To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God" and "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."

The bottom line: Life in "this world" is hard. Do your best and pray for the rest.

Sometimes when I get really down, I think about the people who persevered through the Communist purges and the deliberately orchestrated famines in Russia, China, and Cambodia (a subject I know a good deal about). That usually puts things in better perspective for me.

I'm not saying that puts a bounce in my step and a smile on my face, only that my life suddenly seems bearable again... until the next wave of depression hits and I find myself in mental anguish again, and on my knees in prayer.

I wish I had a better answer for you.

~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'

I think a lot of people suffer with it, thinking t...

2012-01-04T08:19:40.838-08:00

I think a lot of people suffer with it, thinking they will snap out of it, or that is just how life is supposed to be.

I have never dealt with depression. And I am thankful every day for that. But I've dealt with it's crazy, illogical sister, anxiety. And it sucks. I'm actually surprised I haven't had depression, because they are linked to each other.

I think working in the mental health field gives me a lot of insight into myself and therapy has done wonders. I don't take medication, yet, but I may someday. I also haven't gotten on a plane in 2 1/2 years because of the claustrophobia, since I had my first panic attack, so there are still issues I need to overcome.

I knew you weren't mad at me, but I was defini...

2012-01-04T08:18:32.735-08:00

I knew you weren't mad at me, but I was definitely worried about you and had no idea how to help. I'm so glad you posted this! I think it is a fantastic goal to have - for everyone. I hope that you find a counselor or a doctor that is wonderful that will make you feel like a million bucks again :)