Readers Respond: How Did You First React When You Were Diagnosed With Depression?

People react in many ways when they are first diagnosed. Some are relieved to realize that it's not their fault and they can get better. Others feel ashamed or worried about what others will think of them. Some may even feel a combination of emotions ranging somewhere between these two extremes. Whatever your reaction, it is completely normal to feel strong emotions about being diagnosed with depression.

What was your first reaction when you were diagnosed with depression? Share your story below.

~ relieved ~

I had felt so badly for so many years, probably since I was a teen or even a child, that when I finally got help, I was relieved to know that I wasen't "nuts." Something in me gave a big sigh of relief. Now I knew why I'd spent almost all my life not enjoying things like other people, having panic attacks, and just wanting to isolate. It was a new life ahead.

—Guest happycat45

Been hurting

Well I am currently a 14 year old girl and have been dealing with depression for a year And have recieven help lately. I was hospitalized for a month and was takin out of school for / months because I had to be under constant monitoring because I had attempted suicide over 5 times and was an avid self harmed with over 200 cuts on my stomach. I have scars all over my body and I am still suicidal even though I am on Prozac. I have lost all my friends because Oruro bullying me and telling me to kill myself so I understand alot of peoples pain. I am known as a strong smart girl but now I am failing Nd have been crying during the whole day at school. I was also diagnosed with anorexia jerboa and severe anxiety disorder. I am losing my last friend And am contemplating what reasons I even have to live anymore. I have been through alot of pain and I don't see it getting better anytime soon. But to any out there suffering I feel your pain and I would nor wish finding death comforting on anyone

—Guest Cailey

this isn't me

I never took it to serious. It was just hormones or PMS. Now,in my sixties it is serious. I am just coming out of the worse depression I ever had or hope to have. It has changed my life and plans forever. I quit my job, oh no,i didn't take a medical leave. I didn't want to admit I had a problem.I remember telling my doctor-if I can't get better,please tell me I am going to die.I also am hypoglycemic.I know now that, along with stress with my job, taking some anti-depressants that didn't work well for me, and problems with my personal life is what sent me spiralling into depression. Anyway, I am on different medicine,doing much better, and looking forward.

—Guest susie zimmer

Knew It Was Coming

When I finally went to see a doctor, I knew I was going to be diagnosed as depressed. But it felt good to finally be told for sure that was what was up with me. It was also good to hear from someone that there was hope and a possible future outside of allowing how I was feeling to control me. I currently am in counsling, and I am glad I decided to get help.

—Guest anonymous

Confused but relieved.

I was first diagnosed at 16 after an episode which forced me to confess my feelings to my GP, but I believe I have been suffering with it since late childhood/early adolescence. I went to see a Specialist who recommended I take medication, which I resisted for quite some time until finally accepting that I could no longer go on the way I was going. Those were my first meds and I've relapsed and taken more meds twice since then. I'm nearly 19. I can't imagine what would have happened to me if I had not been diagnosed. Without diagnosis, I would not have received proper treatment and I think I may have ended my life. My first reaction was relief because the way I felt had a name, it wasn't just a figment of my imagination or due to me being 'dramatic'. I don't feel like it's put me in a box, perhaps because I don't confess my condition to many people. Diagnosis has allowed me to have a higher rate of detection of when I am slipping. Good luck to other fighters of this condition.

—Guest Olivia

Depths of Depression, My Story

I wake up every day with ringing in my ears. Some days it is worse than other days. I don’t mind, as getting out of bed is an accomplishment. I suffer from depression, and it almost cost me my life. My story is very similar to most people that suffer from severe depression. Contrarily, very different from others that suffer from depression, because there is not a precise diagnosis for depression. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines Major depressive disorder as a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person's lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person's life. I have often been considered to be an upbeat, positive individual. I have a degree in Finance from a major University. I have had a reasonable profess

—Guest craig.r.turley@gmail.com

Annoyed

I didn't want to be depressed, but I was. After I got medicine though, I was so happy about being diagnosed. It lifted me up so much and I wasn't a pain to be around and I could feel happy again rather than dragging through life. My grades have gone up so much. I was diagnosed when I was 19 and I've been on Lexapro. It's worked wonders and I haven't noticed any side effects besides slight nausea a few times when I started it or upped the dose. Being depressed isn't the end of the world, I've discovered, as long as you go along with your treatment and medicine no matter what stupid idea pops into your head.

—Guest Jenny B.

hmmm

after reading this, im there but after looking at it, pills wanting and death. is that what you realy want? no.. you justy want to fit in and be loved, with a happpy out look, and never go throw that pain you went throw to put you there. ..i just a react depression , for a women just took for the 3ed time for every thang i owen. and none will stop them.. not even a court of law, last one filed a order t oget away from her doing,and if i call the police it look like im reacting to court order, in fact. she getting away with it, im the 6 one she done it too,.now she moved in with other disable guy for his money./.

—Guest toby

Relieved

I wasn't really ever diagnosed. It hit me in my teens and back in the 80s no one dealt with it well. I was called dramatic, too sensitive and wanted to die at 13. A classmate told our teacher and no one told me I was depressed. I didn't understand why everyone was so 'okay' with life and I hated it. I'm almost 46 and was kind of diagnosed two years ago. I saw a shrink who put me on pills after she had me fill out a depression check list. I was 97% depressed. Duh really? So out of 100 people, there would be only 3 people in my group not depressed. Whatever. I no longer have suicidal thoughts but I'm also off the meds. I decided a year ago to get off them because I want to live in the clear and not all fogged out. This means dealing with the sadness. I know I get depressed from time to time but I don't think I needed a shrink to tell me that.

—TMRippey

I wasn't surprised

I was diagnosed when I was 15. I had been thinking about suicide for months, so it wasn't a surprise. I went to see the Psychiatrist after talking about committing suicide with my parents. I'm 35 now and I'm still depressed. I have been in and out of treatment and tried several different medications over the 20 years. I still find almost no happiness in life. I wish someone would kill me because I can't imagine committing suicide and hurting those I love. Being loved doesn't necessarily help those who are depressed.

—Guest Paul H in Kansas City