Part of the problem with living with depression is that I don’t always look depressed. In fact, I can sometimes laugh, carry on conversations, and engage in social activities. They key to that is the word “sometimes”. On the days when I can’t get out of bed or it feels like brushing my teeth and showering would be way too much effort, I’m not going to be very fun. I saw this story a while ago and it scared the heck out of me: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/depressed-woman-loses-benefits-over-facebook-photos-1.861843
I’m hoping there’s more to the story, but if you take it at face value, it looks like the case worker at the insurance company knew very little about mental illness and thought that the fact that the client was smiling on a beach meant that they were no longer depressed.
I’ve spoken with both Dr C and Dr W about this kind of thing and they say that the best way to speed recovery from major depression is to keep active doing things you enjoy and finding things to laugh about. Like they say, laughter is the best medicine.
J showed me a picture a little while ago and I’d like to share it here. It’s from Living With Invisible Illness’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/1576780732595911/photos/a.1576790999261551.1073741828.1576780732595911/1650434835230500/?type=3&theater)
When I saw the picture I realized it fit EXACTLY how I feel. Life with depression isn’t all sadness and weariness. That’s a big part of it, sure, but there’s a lot more to it than most people who haven’t experienced it realize. Remember – it’s okay (and good for you) to laugh!
Stay Safe!