I am a Depressed Listener and Intern : MirandaD - AMA!
Hi everyone! I'm Miranda, and I'm a listener and intern here at 7 Cups. I live in Ontario, Canada, and I'm considering a career in mental health.
I was diagnosed with major depression last summer, and have been taking medications (many)and seeing therapists since. I don't have insurance, so I'm doing odd jobs to pay for meds. I'm getting therapy for free through OHIP though.I'm also currently No Contact with my narcissistic, abusive Father.
Have a question for me? AMA!
Hi Miranda. My name is Sam. And my message to you is: recovery is possible. I was suicidally depressed and misdiagnosed as psychotic [[only]] and later schizophrenic (correctly) and depressed (correctly). I have recovered to the extent that I experience only the mildest symptoms under serious stress (compared to before). I have a degree, a Masters, a PhD (almost) and have made money, travelled the world, met my father (nevermind abusive, he totally disappeared before my birth), bought a house, got married, partied hard, spent lots of time with friends and generally begun to lead a blessed, happy and prosperous life. It can be done, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and even through deeper bottoms there can be higher and more prolonged highs. Happy to be of help. My handle is samofwonders. As a listener (although I am having some problems accessing my listener account) I also do a lot of active member sharing as well. You will be able to help a lot of people. Your experiences can be for the good and you will be able to understand others well. Peace to you and healing.
Hello Miranda. :)
I've been diagnosed with major depression as well. I've been on variousantidepressentsand I know the pain and suffering of being depressed. I'm currently recovering and gradually coming out of the tangles that werecreated by depression. This disorder has truly changed me as a person. I'm sure you can relate to that. But it has also made me stronger.
It can be horrible, hopeless and demeaning, but it's not permanent. You have to live with the memories, of course, and a part of the depression always stays, but it does get easier. Over time, we recognize our thought processes and learn various coping mechanisms.
One question that I would like to ask is: Has being depressed made you lose your opinions and beliefs?
I'm so happy to know that you're bieng treated. I wish you all the best! :) Take care.
Hi Latte,
I'm glad you're recovering, and I am as well. I have found meaning to my suffering as a way of understanding those with mental illness, and being able to reach out and help them in any way I can <3.
To answer your question :Being depressed has made me rethink a lot about my entire life. I used to believe that my father was just strict and had a temper, but as I became more disillusioned, I saw him for what he really was. I've found it much easier to sever ties with toxic connections. There are a few other examples, but I can't quite think of them right now. (I'm currentlyexperiencingwithdrawlfrommissingone of my medslast night). Thanks for your kind words and your thought provoking question!
Hi @MirandaD. It's great to see you doing this. My question for you is: what part of the diagnosis and treatment process did you find to be the most challenging for you, and why?
Hi Chester!
The part of the diagnosis process that was the most challenging was actually coming to terms with the fact that I /was/ depressed and not just making it up. My father had a long history of gaslighting, which made me self-doubt myself a lot.
The hardest part of treatment is taking myself seriously. I still don't treat myself like I would treat a friend. I still say mean things to myself, and I'm still finding it hard to care for myself properly.
Thanks for your great question!
Thank you for "coming out" about your depression. It really highlights that you can help others even as you help your own recovery. There are MANY mental health professionals with a mental illness, but because of the stigma and censure from colleagues, we often hide in the dark. That needs to change, because being transparent about it shows the world that it IS possible to progress in your own recovery while helping others with theirs. If anything, providers with mental health issues have tangible experience with suffering that greatly facilitates their being able to empathize with the suffering of their patients and clients. Good luck to you on your career path.
Thank /YOU/ for your kindness! I also believe it helps to have some background with mental illness to fully understand the kinds of impacts it can have on others.
There is a lot of stigmayes, but as we push forwards I'm certain more will follow in our footsteps! Transparency and honesty are very crucial parts of trust. :)
Amen, sister! Power to the people!
Hi Miranda, My name is Ty. I commend you for continuing to help others despite your current battle. My question to you, is how to you deal with people that have issues that are not like yours that may seem like no big deal comapared to yours? If I am having a bad day I dread logging in and taking anymore negativity into my day. How do you push through days like that and continue being a help to others?
That's a great question Ty! I get this question a lot from my contacts.
No one gains anything from comparing their suffering to the suffering of others. I know that the issues people have mean a lot to them, and that's why they're stepping out of their shell and approaching me for help. It doesn't seem like 'no big deal' to me. I understand that it is a big deal to the member or guest.
I have my own ways of dealing with the stress and negativity from listening, and would urge anyone who struggles with their own issues to take care of their needs first and foremost.
At the end of the day, my purpose is to help others. It's what feeds my drive to keep going. <3 I want to help others so much.
Good luck to you Miranda.
Hi Miranda
I am also an intern here and a peer supporter at 7 cups. I have been struggling with depression for a few years now and also take medication to help with it. I hope you are doing well and if you need any help or want to talk to someone I am here to help you.
take care
