this might be cathartic. and triggering.

what is depression for you.

me. i like the dictionary definition, part there of : a sunken hollow, as i say that dirty black hole. awesome track by steve vai by the way.

it for me is draining-depleting, isolating and dark. all consuming and almost evil. it is a pain that can only be experienced. words or actions to express it mean **** if you have not been through it.

i don't know. sort of expressing myself.......might be negative in nature but i feel understanding what it is for you is important for management and recovery. sorry, i am complex at the moment.

I used to have a magnet for the fridge that said...

Depression: (di presh'en) noun Anger without enthusiasm.

Now, I realize this is not a true definition, but, it was important to me to look at. I tend toward self pity and victimization. To ask myself if I was angry and how to address that anger was a huge part of my getting out of 'the pit'. I've also heard of it being defined as 'anger without enthusiasm'! So, both of these went a long way in turning things around for me.

I've been on a couple of anti depressants. They had they unfortunate side effect of Vertigo for me. Finding non chemical ways to combat my trips down the rabbit hole has not been easy, nor is any one thing totally effective, but they help. I know they help...I'm still here!

I get aggravated over the little things that I do when I am thinking and not in the now. I get lethargic, sad, angry and can't think clear. It is so frustrating. And gets worse. But I try so hard to fight it. Medications, mindfulness, meditation. Helps me...

I guess it does get much worse for me when I am depressed. When I feel good, it is hard to remember all of it. But when I am there, it is much easier. Though I often don't want to admit how I am feeling. So hopeless.

Have to end this on a good note. Much nicer today than yesterday. Sun is out. Not real windy. I hope to go for a walk. Got to vacuum and do dishes now. Have a good day all...

Hugs, Karen...

For me, it is coupled with horrid anxiety.
I can only describe it as a black feeling.
Like everything is dark and ugly.
My thoughts turn inward and my chest feels like lead weight.
It's a horrible feeling, but as it is known in buddhist philosophy, nothing is impermanent!
It changes, it passes.
Lisa

weary, there certainly is someone worse off. Although this never negates your pain.

A gratitude journal is a good idea, writing down something no matter how small, that you are thankful for that day. Raises the spirits.

Peace
Trina

thank you all for sharing. really highlights that under the umbrella of the diagnostic term it is different and unique to us all.

profound turtle tonight.

To me, it has always been tired, just so tired. Like all the life force and light has been drained from me. And the worry of how to keep a
"all the balls in the air. "
Hope