I’ve known Lisa since we were immature, pre-pubescent kids running amok in primary school. On the outside, Lisa is an articulate, bubbly girl who oozes confidence and charm. With her classic good looks and a glamorous job in advertising, she had what seemed to be an envious life that involved overseas trips and socialising and networking with high flyers of the corporate world. But her smile was a façade that hid a painful secret which she only recently revealed. Lisa suffers from depression. This is her journey….
Image Source: facebook.com/beyondblue/photos
Depression is a dark shadow that stalks my everyday existence. The paralysing feeling of hopelessness is like a sombre mood that constantly lingers over me. From the time I was 16, I had noticed that I didn’t have the strength to cope with the curve balls that life threw my way. However, as the years passed, my inner struggles only worsened as I faced the trials and tribulations of climbing the corporate ladder, pursuing a career in public relations, being hit with financial pressures and the heart ache of rocky relationships. I hit rock bottom in late 2001 and the depth of despair was beyond overwhelming.
Image Source: facebook.com/beyondblue/photos
Initially, I associated my mood swings with the highs and lows of growing pains during my teens. Unrequited love, peer pressure, the awkwardness of puberty, teenage angst and rebelliousness culminated in a roller coaster ride of emotions which I could usually dismiss and move on from. Yet, by the time I began university, the stress of perfection, exceeding parental expectations, my obsessive desire to succeed academically but never quite reaching my goals caused further strain on my already low self-esteem. It was the point when I first realised I needed professional help. But after two visits to a psychologist, the embarrassment was too much to stomach given the taboo linked with sufferers of mental illness.
Image Source: facebook.com/beyondblue/photos
Image Source: facebook.com/beyondblue/photos
** If you, or a loved one, is suffering from depression or mental illness, reach out to the following:
Thank you for this honest and painful piece. Thank you for talking about depression – it is so hard to do that. I was stunned to read somewhere that most of us at sometime in our lives will suffer from some form of depression – so it needs to be talked about. Talking about it takes you out of isolation, and getting help is self -caring. Be good to yourself, and kind
You’re doing well 🙂
Thank you for your kind and wonderful worlds. It means the world to me. It’s such a hard topic to discuss. It wasn’t easy to talk about something that brings so much shame. I’m hoping it opens peoples’ eyes and hearts…maybe it can breakdown the stigma…
Definitely. But /and there is no shame. Life can be really hard. There is no shame in that. You already have great courage – you’re doing well 🙂
That’s truly made my day! Sending positive vibes your way! 🙂
Ditto! cheers 🙂