Has anything Positive come from having depression? What has it taught you?
It is often easier and sometimes possible to Only consider the negative aspects of depression considering how awful of a mental health issue it can be... I know from experience. However, thinking about this has led me to ponder on the fact that usually we only identify what depression does to/takes away from us, but even though this post is in NO way reinforcing depression, maybe it would be helpful to try and acknowledge some of the more positive lessons it has taught, e.g. Pros/Cons?
For me, depression has taught me that sometimes you just need to let go and allow yourself to feel in general. Being a psychology nerd, I will also mention that while studying for my first year of AS year 1 exams, I learned that there is such a thing as 'Depressive Realists'; that those suffering from depression can sometimes have a more realistic view of life and it's outcomes instead of sugar-coating everything.
Once again I will repeat that this is in no way reinforcing depression or saying that it is something Good to have, I am just trying to approach this from a different angle :)
~ Shannon
For me it has made me realize how important it is allow myself to feel my emotions. I used to bottle everything up and stay silent in order to avoid conflict. Now I feel ok with expressing myself and not feeling guilty about it. Second, depression causes our brain to lie to us with the constant negative thinking patterns it imparts on our psyche. I am very careful to notice when I hear my inner dialogue going negative to ignore it and refocus. Finally, depression reminded me of our individual power and resillience in our ability to reinvent ourselves. Being open and sharing experiences helps to normalize mental illness in our society. We have a voice and we should use it for good when given the opportunity.
@ShanChan09, I appreciate that you created this thread - I understand your intentions and I think this can be a great discussion to appreciate how far we've come in our lives & what we've learned along the way. Wonderful idea!
Just like @independentCake948 I used to bottle everything up, but it was more caused by the lack of awareness of my own emotional states. After a decade of living with depressive disorder, I've definitely became more open and honest, especially with myself. I've learned to seek support within my social circles and discuss the things that stress me, instead of pretending that I'm invencible. Nowadays I am much closer with my friends and family and the topic of mental health started be a common conversation.
What's most important is that I realized that depression doesn't define me. That it's simply a disorder, not my personality. But I can still use it as an opportunity for self-growth.
For me... It made me to start learning abour human psyche. Changing behaviou, Changing belief system
I think it teaches you a lot about life and perspective. It definitely gives you another outlook on things and makes you more open-minded to others pain. Not that depression is a good thing to have, but it definitely makes you more mature. Now, I'm able to understand how others feel and help them.
After years of depressive periods, other than developing trust issues and fear of social situations, I've actually learnt that the emotions that I feel intensely help me to relate to others who are going through certain bad times and appreciate emotions as part of being human.In other words for me, depression has helped me become more humane as a person.
When you go through certain pains in life, I tend to make a lot of mistakes as a result of/resulting in that hardship. I think that going through these hardships had helped me understood that everyone has their own story for why they are this way, and that we should never immediately assume the worst of things. Even when someone makes a mistake, we should not condemn that person but shed understanding and help him overcome it.This way the person won't develop any potential trauma or bad memory in the future.But of course, this are only what I feel.
Actually, im greatful to have experience this becuase I have learnt a great deal from this.Sure sometimes it could go really out of hand.But in good days, I feel that going in depression and one day going out of it is something that I will not regret because I had the opportunity to learn things that others may not ever get to experience in their life XD
it makes me so much more stronger than before
I feel like the melancholy, yearning, longing, that crushing feeling honestly lends itself to my creativity.
I appreciate this thread because it's like looking at the silver lining, even though you have this disease, there are bright points in your life.
I have depression. I have dealt with it since high school. However, I have used this to help others. Knowing what I go through and how I feel makes me want to help others. I have used this s incentive to go back to school. Whenever I feel the darkness closing in, I hold tight to my hope. I graduate this may and start my bachelors program next fall.
You don't have to suffer with depression or let it take over you. You are tsrong and you are so much more than this disease!
