Hello Poppet -- The Forums had exactly the same effect on me. That of revelation.
Ts had been telling me that I had an illness -- for years, for decades. I knew that that was how it was medically defined. I also knew that it was dangerous to let an employer know too much (no matter what federal law says).
I knew that no matter how "sorry" people might feel, they didn't want to be around me. It was stigmatizing.
This summer was very, very bad for me. One of the few things I could still do for myself was post here -- and by the grace of God, I was led to this place.
I had to read the message over and over from members who responded to my posts -- you are sick. This is an illness. Would you hate yourself if you had a broken arm? The flu? A gall bladder infection? Go to a doctor and get meds. Start seeing a T again. Take care of yourself. I had to read these same things many, many times.
And finally it sunk through. I know exactly what you mean by the revelation. Somehow we know depression is an illness, but we get mixed messages about it from friends, relatives, society:
Pull yourself up by your bootstraps. It's just a mood. Your're not doing anything to help yourself. There was thread about all these crummy ignorant messages we get that suggest we are lacking bec. we are ill.
I am glad that being here on the forums is helping you, too.
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