[dpaul]

was decently popular in high school, i found i could hide behind my humor, but didnt know how to talk to girls. i had girlfriends but was always too nervous in crunch time, if you know what i mean.

found alcohol in college, i finally could say what was on my mind, but still had trouble getting over the 'hump.' and tried to kill myself with a bottle of everclear.

dropped out of college and got a job. things got better in the sex department, but never really let anyone really get to know me. had a girlfriend who was fun, and that i finally opened up to, but she had her problems too and took them out on me and i went deeper into depression. she cheated on me and i left, thank God.

i kind of straightened out my life after that relationship and was introduced to my future wife. we started dating, life was easy with her and we moved in together. she got pregnant and we got married.

after a little while, my job stressed me out too much and my depression started all over again. i was almost to the point of suicide. i contemplated it almost every day.

i finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with severe depression. i was put on pills, got a different job, and started doing a lot better.

today, i am feeling alright, i have a great supportive wife, a great three year old son who can be a pain in the *** sometimes, and we just found out were having a baby in june.

sorry for spilling all of this out here, just glad i can say all this to people who can relate. only a few people know my situation. either i dont want to be a burden or i feel some of my family wouldnt understand.

thank you for your time.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Dpaul. Thank you for posting.

Originally Posted by dpaul

i found i could hide behind my humor

That sounds familiar. I wonder how many truly depressed individuals are considered jovial and happy?

Originally Posted by dpaul

i finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with severe depression. i was put on pills, got a different job, and started doing a lot better.

today, i am feeling alright, i have a great supportive wife...

Feel free to ignore the question: Medications, job change, supportive spouse -- though realizing all of them play their parts, which do you believe plays the premier role in your improvement?

[dpaul]

Originally Posted by Rohag

Hello & Welcome, Dpaul. Thank you for posting.

Feel free to ignore the question: Medications, job change, supportive spouse -- though realizing all of them play their parts, which do you believe plays the premier role in your improvement?

hmm never really thought about it. wife probably number one, but needed all three for sure.

[Fizzyo]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your story, it shows that there is hope, even though I'm sure you still have more climbing to do to get to stable good mental health.
I wish you all the best. You now know the warning signs and hopefully will be able to trouble shoot before you get so very unwell if there's a next time.

Kudos for your courage and tenacity in your recovery long may it continue!

[nowhere46]

So glad to hear you are doing better. Congratulations on your new child. Best wishes

[avlady]

this is a great story of improvement and lets others think they can do it too. i think its great!!it also helps me personally to see others doing good even though they've sufferred in their lives. good luck and keep up the good work!!!

[Mountainbard]

Thanks for sharing this dpaul. It's a very inspiring story. Here there are lots of people who can relate, and you don't have to worry about being a burden. Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family.