CW/TW
A year ago I began taking antidepressants.
Almost twenty years ago I tried to take my life. I spent three days hospitalized after ingesting half a bottle of pills.
Over ten years ago I fell into one of the worst depressions of my life. I was laughed at by the pastor of the church where I worked.
There was a time I would’ve been deeply ashamed to tell you all this. We’ve made a lot of progress on the stigma around mental health, but so many myths are still ingrained.
This year is the first time I’ve had entire weeks without thinking about suicide. I never knew it was possible. I used to think about it every single day. That was my norm. It still happens sometimes, but I don’t dread when it will. I also don’t dread happiness either. Antidepressants don’t suddenly make you “happy,” but they open the possibility that happiness is not attached to a trap door, small print, a karmic pay-off. It turns impossible into imaginable. For even a moment, joy becomes guilt-free.
A few months ago I managed to stopped taking medication for five weeks. But on week five, I spiraled out and went back on. I thought somehow I had failed. I knew that was objectively false, but that’s how deep the stigma goes. I’m finding it okay to be on medication for life, if I need it. And today, I need it. I’m thankful.
I don’t know if the next one will win. But I’m here. I’m still here. Thank God, I am here.
Thank you friends for your prayers, messages, stories.
You keep me alive too.
— J.S.
JS, so glad you are here. Love your honesty, we all struggle with something. Abundant blessings of love, life, and light through Jesus. May the light of God shine bright.and encourage you. Prayers of love, hope, and encouragement! ❤️🤗
LikeLike
I think having kids wakes us up to the fact that we were made for more than muddling through. At least, for me & looks like maybe you as well. I’m so happy for you. 💛
LikeLike
Thanks for giving us another insight into that dark world of depression. So thankful you made it through and pray you’ll be able to stay out of the overwhelming fog.
LikeLike
I am with you JS. I have take Rx for a long time. For me medicine is a miracle from God. I also cannot live without it.
LikeLike
God does not apply one patch to every problem for each person. The uniqueness God has placed in each of us calls for creative service. If medication is your road, Praise God! The only failure that is embarrassing is when we act like we are God instead of acting like God as Jesus revealed The Creator to be – love.
Peace
LikeLike