Julie, Is it Possible to Have a Life free from Depression?

If you had asked me this last year, I would have skirted the question. I had been so depressed for so long I no longer told people the truth. I focused on what I could do despite the depression. I could work part time- do a great job as a coach,  have fun with friends, love my family, walk, eat, sometimes sleep and do all that I could to keep myself alive while helping others do the same.

My life has changed 100%. 

The truth is that I was only half alive- because half was managing this illness. No matter how succcessful I was- how many books I wrote or how many friends I had-  it took so much effort to stay alive.

I found a new medication regime last year that gave me a LIFE. When I combined this with all of my management strategies, I felt whole for the first time in over five years.

Can a person have a life free from depression?  Yes- as long as we all understand that free means we can be free the majority of the time. My depression is never gone- I keep it at bay.  I still get down- but it isn’t so dangerous.

How did I know I was really doing better? A few days ago I went into my mom’s back yard- sat down and read a book.  It had been five years or more since I was able to do this!

You can get better.  The person you love can get better. It takes a plan and that plan usually includes meds. 

Julie

 

 

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