A “Friend” Indeed
Note: This is the 2nd of 2 posts on my experience with depression and Parkinson’s in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month. If you have not done so already, please read my previous post to learn why this topic is so important to me.
When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 48, I learned how common depression was in people living with Parkinson’s. At the time, I was not in therapy nor on an antidepressant, though I was still experiencing depression in varying degrees of severity. I looked at my depression as sort of a friend from eighth grade. The type of friend I did not choose, but is always around. This friend doesn’t say a lot but when he does comment it is usually inappropriate and makes it makes me feel uncomfortable in varying degrees. And, he never laughs with me but is always there to laugh at me.
I was tolerating my depression, and hoping it would just go away. According to everything I read and experienced, though, Depression would always be the friend who comes and goes but never is far away. So I learned how to be friends with Depression, good friends. As in any good relationship, I need space. So I take anti-depressants. I make sure I have supportive friends with whom I have mostly appropriate interactions. My therapist keeps me honest, centered and true to myself. While I need to set limits with Depression, sometimes I just give in to Depression’s desire for extra food, extra sleep, or a pity party because it is easier than listening to him always whining in the background. Finally, I have learned to laugh at myself before Depression beats me to it!
I cannot express enough what my therapist adds to my arsenal of hope for not only my depression, but my Parkinson’s as well. You should go get you a good one. Warning: shopping for a therapist is a lot like shopping for jeans at a thrift store. Some of them are faded, dated and seen better days. Others are too new, too hip, and too baggy. Then there is that one pair that is in style, broken in perfectly, and makes your butt look good. Everyone wants a good-looking butt, but you might have to try on a few to get there.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts do not hesitate to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255 or text to 741741.
Photo ©2014 Steve Steinberg