Why I Do What It Takes

Sue Spence
May 24, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Mar 26

I do what it takes

When people ask me what I do, I reply "I do what it takes." That's because I'm disabled, not physically but mentally disabled, with a horrible debilitating condition called major depressive disorder, aka clinical depression.

Taboo

For too long now mental illness and mental health have been taboo subjects and have a stigma, and I don't really know why. Maybe it's because healthy people think it's self-inflicted and therefore those of us affected are outcasts and belong in mental homes. Who knows?

Break the Stigma

I may not have all the solutions but I think it's time we at least start trying to educate people and share our stories and experiences with others; we are not alone in our struggles to recover and heal, so I'd like to start by connecting with and supporting others while I journey through my healing process to recover from severe depressive disorder, and this article is about what prompted me to start a blog site and share my story and journey so far.

Hello? Anyone Out There?

When I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder the first time, and again with severe depressive disorder, I tried Googling my condition to find out more and find support groups. I found some technical medical information on the condition, mostly that it's the worst of the mental illnesses to have, and I just felt very scared and very alone! I had visits with my therapist, psychiatrist and occupational therapist, all medical experts who tried to reassure me, but no contact with like-minded people, so I felt like an outcast.

I discovered later that because my work colleagues had been told that I was not to be contacted for work that this had been extended to no contact at all: so not even contact to see if I was ok, or just to say hello. Had I inflicted this punishment on myself? I felt guilty letting the company, my family, myself down, with no one to talk to who can relate to what I was experiencing with such a debilitating condition. I am really lucky that I have a very supportive family that, even if they don't understand, they can empathise with me and give me the support I need. I know I'm lucky for that as many out there don't have that luxury.

Heal Me & Heal You

Part of my healing process with the occupational therapist has been guided journaling (ie a basic form of blogging) which is what led me to start this blog to share my experiences. Being positive about life distracts me from the negatives of the condition and my symptoms, but I am still trying to find the balance to avoid symptom flare-ups. I will share all of the aspects I have learned, and my various experiences through my struggles along my journey as I post various articles. These topics will include the symptoms of major depressive disorder, how to better manage pain and symptom flare-up, what to know about major depressive disorder, how to detoxify your life, and much more.

Insights

During my healing process and through my sessions with the occupational therapist and psychiatrist I have gained a lot of insights into living with severe depressive disorder which I will share with you in the coming weeks and months. These include finding your balance again, turning negatives into positives and how to manage stress. I have found these insights really useful and still use them as I journey to recovery.

I do have to pace myself so not too sure yet how often they will be published! Subscribe to my newsletter to see the list of published articles, and what topics are coming up.

Social Media

I have not really been one for social media, but this time round I delved into Facebook to look for support groups, and was horrified at what I found! Most groups are pits of negativity and despair that no person suffering from clinical depression should be anywhere near, so were of no help to me. I did find one site that was more medically minded but with no comments from anyone so again, not much of a support group or help. Mental Health really is in a bad place, so something has to change ... As Einstein said: insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

You are not Alone

Everyone's story and experiences are unique. It doesn't matter how you ended up with major depressive disorder (which you did not inflict on yourself) you are not alone in your struggle to heal and overcome your depression! Whether you are suffering from or supporting someone, let's connect and share our stories and know we are not alone.

Take Action

But I wont do that supporting major depressive disorder

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