15 Years of Severe Depression and A Listener, AMA!
Well, I figured I would make an AMA in hopes that my experiences and story could help others.
I've been depressed since I was 9, it stole my childhood andadolescentyears as I am now 23. At 22 I was finally diagnosed with chronic and severe depression.
I've been through my fair share of things which you can all ask me about.
A quick summary to help everyone have context:
I'm partially adopted, that knowledge triggered my depression. My entire school experience from grade 2- 12 I was bullied harshly, and that affected my self esteem/confidence and led to an eating disorder and also a problem with pain medication. At 17 I came out of the closet as a bisexual. College stress triggered a pretty harsh low for me when I was 19 and since then I've not been able to reach out of the low and get to a good "high" place. I describe myself as being in a melancholy, perpetual sad. Last year I was seeing a therapist and was put on medication, however both of those have ended now. The best treatment I've had so far has been 7 cups of tea though, and that is why I became a listener!
So, if you wish, ask me anything!! <3
How did you take the news that you were partially adopted, and what exactly does that mean?
Growing up I had my mom and my dad, at age 9 they revealed to me that my dad was not my biological father but my mom was. I use the term partially adopted as he took me in and i received his last name when my mom and him married.
I took the news really hard as all my life I had always felt like an outcast in my family and my social circles. I had always felt different. And by learning that I began feeling really uncomfortable with my family and I became more withdrawn. I still loved my dad though, but that was when our issues really started. I was obsessed with learning more about my biological father as my mother told me he wasn't a good person and she would let me meet him when I was older and more mature. However, that day never seemed to come and I didnt like asking my mom about him as she seemed hurt just talking about him. So I reached out to him via Facebook and sure enough, he was an awful person. Finally knowing that help close a part of my life and my relationship with my dad got better and I felt a lot better too, after I dealt with the disappointment of course.
Thanks for asking : )
Dear @xoflyy, thank you for sharing your story. It's sooooinspiring. I've seen how generous and helpfulyou are in the chatrooms--you're amazing!!
Oh, wow!! Thank you @Annie! You're inspiring and amazing, I can't believe you commented on my story! Thank you for your words <3
I believe that your experiences can now only help you assist others. That is a blessing.
Thank you. <3
How did people react to you coming out of the closet? I know that can be an arduous process
I didnt come out to everyone all at once. In fact I'm fairly certain my mom knows, actually I know she knows but we've never had a conversation about it. But my friends were crazy supportive about it. I cried and was so scared but they were amazing, and then over the years it got easier to admit and talk about. It's just who I am. I think i probably had a good "coming out" experience, luckily! But it was scary at first, especially being from such a small town where people judge.
You said you're a Listener. Do you have any counseling / paracounseling training already or is the Listener training on its own adequate? :)
I dont have any professional training, no. The listener training was very valuable but I was always the supportive and listening type in a friendship. I've always assumed this role with people in my life, I enjoy helping others and by doing so it helps me. Since joining 7 cups I've realized my real love for helping people and I'm considering a career in a helping role, but only I've only just started thinking of it. We'll see where that takes me. : )
Cool! Thanks for the reply. :)
@xoflyy, you are blessed with a wonderful heart and that?s what makes you a better person than those who have made your life miserable as you were growing up. You are a wonderful addition to the growing number of our awesome listeners. Hugs for you sweet lady.
Ooooh @pm229 thats so kind of you! Gosh, thanks darling! Youre so sweet, *hugs*
@xoflyy *stands on chair* *salutes* i respect you for who you are and what you have become *cuddles*
Hehe vas. @yannick is rubbing off on you! Lol : ) thank you sweetheart. Your words mean a lot.
This made me laugh fly!