I've been suffering from major depressive disorder and panic attacks for almost 2 years, and I'm under medication treatment for the past year. I've had previous cases of panic attack since I was little but never understood what they really were and nobody really thought it was anything important.
I'd like to point out the common misconceptions and mistakes that I had the first hand experience with.
The worst one is almost always.
"There are people who have it worse. Pick yourself up.":
Depression is a medical condition, a mental illness. The reason I'm suffering from this condition is that my brain lacks a chemical called serotonin. Which is why I take medication, to make up for it. Not because I'm trying to numb the pain.
The next one is what I get from most of my friends.
"I'm depressed too.":
As I said, depression is a medical condition. Of course everyone has their ups and downs and they get sad. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you are suffering from depression. Another thing is that I am not very comfortable opening up about it. So when you undermine the message I'm trying to deliver, you are doing a lot more damage than you can imagine.
"I didn't want to tell you because you already have your own things(!)":
This is a continuous thing and it's going to take a while. I'm trying to live my life as normal as it can be. I'm your friend and I'm going to be there for you when you need me to. Don't leave me out of your life. In fact involve me in it. Tell me things. I will be happy when you are happy and when you're sad I will not collapse in empathy I will do my best to help you out.
This comes from my parents still
"Don't tell anyone that you're taking medication!"
I'm not a drug addict. I have a condition and I'm trying to cure it. I shouldn't have any reason to hide it just like you don't hide it when you have the flu. It is a part of me but it doesn't define me. Don't make me feel ashamed of what I have. Don't look at me like I'm a hopeless case. If you would still like me if I had allergies, like me the way I am right now.
The last one is the most dangerous one
"I don't think that you should take these pills.":
I really do need my medication. Don't force me not to take them, or don't make me feel bad about it. I'm just trying to get better; just like you want me to. And this is the only way to do it. As a matter of fact, not taking my medication is not only going to stop my improvement but also will possibly make me worse. It is a deal about my brain chemistry.
I'm in the 13th month of my treatment process and I'm happy to say that I don't cry every day anymore. I don't see nightmares every night. Be happy for me :)
I decided just to write about the outer side of the situation because I still don't feel comfortable sharing what is actually going on in my head. Maybe I'll write about it too one day.
It is not always going to be like this. This doesn't last forever. I know I'll be fine; and you should know it too.
All I need... all we need is a little more support.
