I was watching this movie called My S.O. Has Got Depression about a Man who gets depression and struggles to deal with it and how it affects his relationship with his wife. What I liked about this movie was how it well it depicted depression but for me what really made it hit home was Tsure’s (main  character) feelings of uselessness and how some of the people around him wouldn’t understand his depression and would approach him with a “you need to toughen up” approach to things. After watching the movie I read an interview about Tenten Hosokawa the author who wrote the book that inspired this movie and she had a pretty interesting take on depression.
“I think a lot of people, when they get depressed, become overwhelmed with negative feelings. But the illness also gives you an opportunity to change your life. In that respect, it’s not so negative.
Depression gives you a chance to review your life, to look back on how stress has built up — and to change things. So the illness can actually be a positive thing in your life.
I seriously wish more depressed people viewed this way about depression. In many ways, I have viewed depression as probably the best thing that’s ever happened in my life so far. I honestly feel that if I wasn’t depressed, I would have become a complete egotistical douche trying to gain the attention of everyone around me. Depression has taught me humility, patience, empathy, and self-respect” these are her words of advice to those battling depression. For those of you who want to check out the movie it’s called My S.O. Has Got Depression.
These past  two weeks I did something a little different I decided to be more social I talked to people more though I did get a little excited that didn’t last too long. This week  a pastor at a church  I went to with my mom approached me because he wanted to pray over me immediately I heard that I felt like it was because of my depression, I met with him on Monday and when I got there basically we talked about what it means to be saved and he had me read a couple of bible verses,then later on he began to discuss things like moving on to college and my life with my mom and that’s when what he was saying made me feel down because soon I’ll be out and in college and that scares me because  I’m not sure I’d be well enough with depression. I’ve  come to realize I’m ashamed that I have depression and I don’t like it because it’s like I’m being left behind and while other people are out there living there lives I can’t move forward it’s really painful and I’m feeling really low again and don’t know what to do.
3 comments
Good Morning Hopefuldreamer,
I suppose I could ask my daughter about the people and movies you are talking about…but she isn’t awake quite yet. Actually it’s not necessary…because what I really liked about your post is the excerpt from the interview:
“I think a lot of people, when they get depressed, become overwhelmed with negative feelings. But the illness also gives you an opportunity to change your life. In that respect, it’s not so negative.
Depression gives you a chance to review your life, to look back on how stress has built up — and to change things. So the illness can actually be a positive thing in your life.
I totally agree with what the author opines…have been suffering with severe depression for over 50 years. Yup…you heard me right…and what she says is sooo true…but any sort of change is difficult and sometimes painful or scary…soooo
Sorry to hear that you are feeling overwhelmed…what are some of your usual coping skills? Just hang in there eh? It’s always darkest before the dawn…and if you are a long time sufferer…you know the dawn is just around the corner…you just have to sneak by the dragon in the crosswalk. Chin up.
Peace
Amakua
This was amazing to read! Thank you so much for postin this. It’s given me another way to look at all if this 🙂 Thank you! I send much love to you<3
Your right the illness also gives you an opportunity to change your life. In my case end in it.