Posted by super on June 8, 2001, at 9:25:27
In reply to How to love yourself despite depression?, posted by roo on June 8, 2001, at 9:13:30
Hi Roo,
I know how you feel. I try to separate the depression from who I really am, so I love myself but hate the depression. However, the effect of this is to make me somewhat ashamed of my depression (I've only been open about it with a few people in my life). Is depression something you are supposed to be proud of? I'm a lesbian and my g/f recently asked me why I hide the truth about my bipolar with people when I'm open about my sexuality (since both are deviant). I said my sexuality is about love but my bipolar has been completely destructive. My therapist says I shouldn't feel that way, but I do. I feel like depression has only taken away from my life. My therapist says I am able to feel a greater range of emotions because of my bipolar, but I could care less. For me, normalcy is an attractive, exotic dream.> How do you still love yourself when you have depression...
> when so much of the disease involves self-loathing? Anyone
> found any good tips over the years dealing with their illness
> on how to hold themselves with love and kindness despite the
> tendencies toward seeing yourself with unkind eyes?
>
> I've struggled with this a lot. I feel my disease wouldn't
> be so bad if I didn't hate myself for having it. Kind of a
> double whammy there--have a disease that's difficult,and then
> bash myself for having it.
>
> I've been in therapy for a few years..just started mindfulness
> meditation which helps some. Take meds (although I wonder if
> I could be at a more therapeutic level there)....I just want,
> more than anything at this point...not even to get "rid" of
> the disease, but be able to be kind and love myself with the
> disease....
>
> Tips? Similar experiences?
poster:super
thread:6349
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010526/msgs/6351.html