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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by roo on June 8, 2001, at 9:13:30
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?
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?
Posted by JAMMER on June 8, 2001, at 15:57:14
In reply to How to love yourself despite depression?, posted by roo on June 8, 2001, at 9:13:30
> How do you still love yourself when you have depression...-roo
roo, Yes, it's tough. I've found that working with people through getting help with depression and PTSD, has allowed learnings that have helped me tremendously. Like Yoga, and you mentioned mindful meditation. Understanding that's it's normal for people with my experiences/conditions, to have feelings and thoughts and actions that I have, helps me. I also look at the things I am good at and accept compliments on them. Something I couldn't do well previously, accept compliments. I also try to work at what I enjoy, like my artwork. Some things I've found I just can't do for now because it causes physical pain, like throwing pottery on the wheel. But I also have Stain glass work, and painting. I've also learned about taking better care of myself, which helps me feel better about myself. Not only because of the results, but because I realize I'm actively working at improving myself. I'm slowly learning to not take things so personally, and to let go of "problems" I can't do much about at this time, if ever. I accept what has happended to me can never be undone, so try to let it go. Aceptance and a commitment to self improvement is helping me to accept these diseases, and love myself. None of this easy of course. And motivation can be difficult. But don't beat yourself up over things. We do what we can do... accept that, take pride in it, and move on. I recently ended taking AD's and am supplementing with talk therapy (EMDR was of great help), Yoga, accupunture, Meditation, readings and learnings, and some herbal supplements.
Best wishes,
James
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on June 9, 2001, at 1:03:45
In reply to How to love yourself despite depression?, posted by roo on June 8, 2001, at 9:13:30
> 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?
Dear Roo,I can tell you what I try to do, but
read my post first; it is right after yours;
it's called, "Can one think their way out of
major depression?".Glenn
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