A question for those that have beat depression

I wouldn't say that I have 'beat' depression, I am still dealing with it but feel it is a lot easier now than at its worst so have been reflecting on it.

My question is, if you could go back and stop yourself ever getting depression, would you?

Sometimes I think about what I've been through, the lows and how I wished above anything just to be well again. But when I'm feeling a bit better, I think about how this has changed me as a person, the mental strength I have needed to develop and above all the huge amount of empathy and compassion I now have for other people going through tough times that I didn't really appreciate before, because I'd lived somewhat a sheltered life.

I remember watching a TV program about manic depression and a lot of people said they did not regret having it either, that it made them into the person they are even though the experience was horrific at the time.

Andy,

I don't think anyone can "beat" depression unless it it situational.

the cause of my depression is childhood trauma, 15 yrs of it. 2 years ago I started popping repressed memories. So my depression is now a chemical inbalance in brain, never to go away.

I don't know if it will make me stronger, of if it will aid in robbing me of anything. I do know it one added illness, not welcomed, however needed to deal with.

I hope for remission, although like Karen and many others still deal with it day to day.

Peace
Trina

Depression has ruled my life and if I had a choice to have it or not, I choose a resounding NO. I think back to my high school days of misery. I hated it. I had the same boy friend all 4 years which made it bearable. He went away to college for my last 2 years but was home on weekends. I made it because of him. We parted ways when I graduated and and I married my science teacher. We were married for 21 years. He was what I needed for those growing up years.

It took 20 years after graduation to be diagnosed with clinical depression. I took meds that worked pretty well. Where am I today? It IS STILL RULING MY LIFE AND I NEED HELP today. I CAME HERE FOR HELP TODAY. I have a doc apt. today and I have to go and I dont see how I am going to do that. I hate going anywhere. I have to shower for the first time in a month. I just dont care. I mean it when I say I dont go anywhere but my doc. apts.

Today I feel like just going back to bed forever and blocking out everything. I have a baby shower for my grandson, my first grandbaby, this saturday. I will wear nice cloths and do all the normal things to get ready and appear just as perky and nice as can be. I will do that for my son. I will not embarrass my son, which I have done so many times that I it makes me CRINGE to think of it.

Back to your question, No, I would not choose to have depression. I would give it up. It is painful. I will be back to read answers to your questions. I have to go get ready for my doc. apt. Your question has help me today. Thank you. Its funny where help can come from....I am gona have a better day and hope you have a great day......Hugs...Cathy