This was such a great blog from my friend Lynne Dorr who is also a sci Im always trying to find new ways to describe how I feel this hits it on the head! Chronic pain, loss of independence, loss of physical ability, changes in body shape, changes in body image, fatigue, lack of self-worth, lack of purpose, hopelessness, vulnerability, loss of job, loss of friends, shame, separation, divorce, financial troubles; all of these factors fuel depression. The issues listed above can affect every human being, but those with a spinal cord injury are approximately 4 times more likely to experience depression than a non-disabled person. That means about 1 in 5 people with a spinal cord injury experience depression. Depression is much more than being sad, feeling down, or discouraged. Depression can be smothering, overwhelming, stifling, life ending; it is a severe health concern. For those with a spinal cord injury the risk of suicide is highest within the first five years after injury (Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 2014). Depression can cause very real psychological and physical symptoms such as: changes in sleep, changes in appetite, feeling hopeless, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, lack of energy or activity, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, feeling worthless, self-blame, thoughts of death/suicide (Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System). Depression is nothing to be trifled with. I can only speak from personal experience, but I know depression can be an internal battle, perhaps not obvious from the outside. A battle with the enemy, who is one’s self. An epic internal confrontation trying to determine one’s new place in life after spinal cord injury, or is there even a place. The blocks used to build a life, the friends, the job, the family, the passions that once defined ones existence - are gone, or are only a glimmer of what they used to be. How can one be viewed as independent when help is needed with nearly everything? How can one be seen as capable when they must completely depend on others to care for them? How does one overcome the engulfing frustration of not being able to complete tasks on their own that they used to do with ease, without thought? My struggles with depression have been very real throughout my six years with a spinal cord injury. I have needed help on several occasions and the need continues. I believe it is safe to say that others also experience very real and very life altering struggles as well. Everything I read says “depression is treatable” and then goes on to talk about multiple antidepressant medications. These are very helpful for many people; I continue to take them to this day. Perhaps a stronger medicine for depression is communication, talking, sharing, and getting that crap off your chest. Talking might not obliterate your demons, but it could lessen your load. Don’t ignore depression. Reach out to someone you care about - ask for a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen ... lend a shoulder for someone to cry on and lighten their burden by giving them an ear to listen.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 19:22:04 +0000
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