Researching stigma as it relates to mental health, I came across Kevin Breel presenting a TED Talk, Confessions of a depressed comic. Paraphrasing Kevin, he said,” “Break a bone, and you get all kinds of sympathy, offers to help, and friends who want to sign your cast. Admit you have depression, and you hear crickets in the background as people shuffle to the back of the … [Read more...] about What Makes Depression Create Stigma, Unlike a Broken Arm?
unhelpful thinking styles
My Depression Let Me Buy a New Computer
It’s been months since I’ve been able to work from the front porch. I know it’s my fault for not making the decision sooner. After all, my old laptop has been non-responsive for months. Yet every time I would start to research new laptops, I would hear a voice in my head. And it would remind me that I still have a PC in my home office that I can use. So why am I thinking … [Read more...] about My Depression Let Me Buy a New Computer
Depression Never Told Me It’s Not All About Me
It turns out that I am not the center of everyone’s universe. I’ve seen others exhibit this behavior and I most certainly do it. Many times, I have gone through things that were traumatic and painful. Coming out on the other side of these incidents, I can see how it impacted others too. It turns out it wasn't just me and what happened to me. This is especially true with my … [Read more...] about Depression Never Told Me It’s Not All About Me
It Just Feels Like More of The Same
I know getting back from traveling has its up and downsides. Up, I get to sleep in my own bed. The down, there is a suitcase full of laundry that needs to be washed. And the lawn grew about three feet taller in the 8 days we were gone. I will need several hours to get this mowed. But I wouldn’t trade my time with my grandson for anything. He is going to be two years … [Read more...] about It Just Feels Like More of The Same
Why Can’t I Pick Strawberries With My High-Functioning Depression?
I know they are ripe; I can see them through the chicken wire protection I built. Yet I am not motivated at all to pick them. I picked a few when they first started to ripen. I had some on my Honey Nut Cheerios. And they were tasty, having just come out of the garden. Now some of the larger strawberries are ripe. Yet here I sit at 6:47 AM writing, instead of picking … [Read more...] about Why Can’t I Pick Strawberries With My High-Functioning Depression?