Chemicals in the human brain have to be properly balanced in order for the brain to function properly. When those chemicals are not balanced, your brain functions are not normal. Typically, when a person suffers chemical imbalance, we often times refer to it as clinical depression. Depression is an illness much like any other. Diabetes (for example) requires medication, education, and sometimes hospitalization/medical procedures. So does depression. When properly treated and managed, living a quality lifestyle with an illness like depression can be achieved. One of the biggest factors that influence successful treatment is a good support system of doctors, therapist, family and friends. If a person you love suffered from a debilitating condition you would probably feel compelled to help them. Clinical Depression can be debilitating. The symptoms of untreated clinical depression can range from: irrational mood swings, extreme tiredness/fatigue, loss of motivation, anger, irrational thoughts or behavior, and in extreme cases, death by depression induced suicide. I consider myself to be a fortunate survivor of major depression and I have been living a successful life for many years now largely because of my support system. I went through a serious bout of depression that cost me my house, jobs, and heath. But through the proper channels I was able to regain my life. I owe it to my commitment to my personal happiness and my support system. All though my family and friends may not know every detail about my condition or what I deal with on a day to day basis, they have all excepted that my condition is real and that they will do whatever they need to do to help me get through my illness. I consider myself fortunate because not everyone who suffers has the resources or support that I do. I felt inclined to share this story with all of you in light of the recent death of actor Robin Williams. I was particularly saddened by his death because it truly means that depression is non-biased as he was a man who seemingly had everything. For me, I realize, that I get depressed simply because I suffer from depression. My childhood was good and my family was/is loving. I have certain triggers and stressors but in the end, I dont need a reason to feel depressed other then the fact that I live with clinical depression. This is not a cry for help on my part. This is me simply stating some facts about an illness that is dangerous if its left untreated, just like many other illnesses and conditions. I have found over the years that depression effects so many and yet, so many who know that something isnt right, dont seek treatment. Many things attribute to this, but I would like to be so bold as to chalk a majority of the reasons up to stigma. Stigma can destroy families, careers, and lives. Stigma (regarding depression) is alive and well. Because so many people fear stigma and being labeled, they choose to go without treatment. I want to help break the stigma barrier by talking publicly about my successful journey and encourage others to do so as well. I think its imperative to try and help people who suffer to feel more normal about this common illness and not label them as crazy or treat them differently. All patients suffering any condition or illness should be treated with dignity and respect. Its hard to know what a person deals with on the inside. Im not saying that treating depression is easy or that everyone will have the same positive outcome. Im more or less saying that its far better to face depression with a solid, caring support system and we, as a community, can help with that. I am Michel Capaldi, I am successful, and I live with depression. Out of respect for the privacy of those who helped me get where Im at to day I will just say thank you from the bottom of my heart! Without all of the patience and understanding on your part, I wouldnt be here today writing this letter.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 09:11:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015