Posted by Twinleaf on May 28, 2012, at 13:33:33
In reply to What Is Passive Suicide?, posted by Phillipa on May 28, 2012, at 10:15:50
Phillipa, these thoughts are really distorted thinking caused by the depression you have. If you were not depressed, you would not feel that things were hopeless because you are in your sixties and have a few health problems, none of which are catastrophic. You would be finding many things to enjoy and be proud of.
You have been posting about how much pain and distress you are experiencing for several years, and it is clear to us what a very difficult time you have been having. I think it's safe to say that everyone genuinely empathizes with you, and hopes for the very best for you. But for reasons that aren't clear, you have so far avoided taking any steps to get adequate medication or psychotherapy to deal with problems which are almost certainly not going to go away by themselves. This is, of course your choice, and, while those who have gotten to know you might hope for something different and better for you, we do have to abide by your decision.
Are you aware that you are almost the only person on Babble who is not making an active, continued effort to overcome your depression? I mean that, while you make tremendous efforts to be active, exercise, and have satisfying interactions with people every day, you do not seek out effective medical or psychological treatment as do the vast majority of other posters. We all know that depression is a hard condition to treat, and that most people have to try many things. But almost everyone here IS trying everything they possibly can - Scott certainly comes to mind as someone who has made extraordinary, continuous efforts over many years, and almost every poster exhibits much of the same determination and courage. Why not have a bit more of an open mind about more effective treatment? I do believe that many people can recover completely with the right combination of therapy and medication, and even more can recover partially, so that their depression is much milder and more manageable, and interferes much less with their enjoyment of life. You don't yet know what wonderful possibilities there might be for you.
I apologize for speaking so candidly, but it is very hard to see you suffering and yet not taking an effective first step.
poster:Twinleaf
thread:1018788
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120522/msgs/1018795.html