Posted by Tamar on June 4, 2005, at 19:34:36
In reply to Looking for advice/guidance, if you can relate, posted by TamaraJ on June 3, 2005, at 18:24:23
> Ok, I have had to take many months off work recently, first because of iron deficiency that sapped pretty much all of my energy, then, after finally responding to a series of iron injections to bring my blood back up, I was given a shot of Depo Provera which made me severely physically ill (throwing up for about 2 months or more every day and severe flu-like symptoms for about the same amount of time) as well as severely depressed (I had been mildly depressed when I was trying to recover from the iron deficiency) then, when I was just barely back on my feet after the reaction to Depo, I sustained a really bad fracture and required surgery. Anyway, with each setback, I would become even more depressed and anxious, and, as a result, I have really isolated myself for months now (I see family, talk to neighbors and talk to friends regularly on the phone, but have avoided going out to socialize because I just didn't have the energy).
Gosh. You've really been through the mill. No wonder you don't feel like socializing, or much else.
> Now I feel like I am starting over now, and it's freaking me out. It's like I am having to learn to walk again. I have typically been a social and active person, but now I feel like I don't know how to be social anymore, if that makes sense. I am afraid, I guess, about getting on with things, perhaps because I feel so ashamed that I have "wasted" away or lost so much time, even though I know I didn't have complete control over it.
I'm familiar with that feeling. I often dread social occasions. But usually once I get there I have a good time. Then, the next morning, I start worrying about whether I was behaving appropriately (although I'm always well-behaved these days!).
I also feel guilty about the time I lost. I know it wasn't my fault but I feelt guilty anyway. It's hard. But, as you know, it can't be helped.
> I just wanted to know how others have gotten back on track and started living again or have, being social and even coping with work after struggling with depression for a number of months.
I think it's a matter of taking it one hour at a time. It takes a while to get back to 'normal'. Don't expect to feel better all at once. And go easy on yourself.
> Sorry this is so long.
Not too long at all! I've written much longer posts about things much more trivial.
I hope things get easier for you soon.
Tamar
poster:Tamar
thread:507712
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050528/msgs/507751.html