Sometimes I post a status on Facebook or elsewhere that says something like, "David Negaard is frazzled and fried and stressed and distressed." I have 590 friends on Facebook, not all of whom understand what I mean by that, and some of whom may find my mention of depression worrying. I can understand that. I guess I should explain.
I suffer from depression. I have always suffered from depression. When I was younger I didn't understand that it was just my body chemistry messing with me, and it took its toll. I was mostly unhappy.
As my experience and understanding have grown, I've come to see my depression as what it is--just biology, a part of my life, like my sinus headaches and the thing with my foot--consequently, I've been much happier. That isn't to say I'm always happy--depression is no picnic, and when it hits me I suffer--but I have learned to trust the cycle, and now when I am depressed I remember that it's not the end; it will pass.
On the other hand, when I am depressed my mood changes. Sometimes I withdraw, sometimes I become short tempered, sometimes I find myself paralyzed and unable to act. Depression is no longer the end of me, but it does affect me and my relationships with others.
That's why I sometimes post my depression in my status... so if folk find me behaving differently than I usually do, my post may explain why.
It's not a cry for help--I'm fine. It's just a piece of information to help my family, friends, and acquaintances understand why my behavior is different.
So if you see a a post or Facebook status that indicates I'm depressed, follow the directions printed on the cover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and Don't Panic.
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