Someone thinks I should be embarassed about depression?!

Someone thinks I should be embarassed about depression?

Yes Kate you are right. I was very embarassed about my depression. I was so embarassed that I decided not to tell anyone or let them know. You can read about my downward spiral on Yahoo search under "The Last Temptation of George Petrie". I don't think you'll want to read it but if you do then perhaps you will understand that sometimes, due to organic brain chemistry we are unable to control our actions. It does not have anything to do with IQ or status in life. It can affect anyone and not just people with "bad character". I have done what I had to do to treat my depression and I am stronger and more successful than ever. I don't feel pathetic any more and I am not the least bit ashamed, any more than I would be if I had suffered from diabetes or heart disease. Mental illness is a disease just the same as physical illness. Someone with physical illness is not looked upon as being stupid or pathetic and, since mental illness, (including depression) is a result of brain chemistry it is as much out of the person's control as any other illness. I wish that sheer embarassment could have turned my life around. Instead it drove me into the conspiracy of silence. Depression can be a fatal illness if not treated expediently and properly. Please believe me when I say I understand your position. I do understand when people who have not experienced anxiety or depression simply do not understand it. I used to be just as judgemental as you until it came, uninvited, into my life. best wishes to you

Thank you for your post. That was well written! I too suffer pain from clinical depression, and dare I say I also self harm? Not a pretty thing to have to go through. And not for attention or self pity.... Indeed it is a mental illness that has to do with brain chemistry.. I am not proud to be in this condition, it has caused me much suffering and pain. The pain is like dying a thousand deaths and still be breathing.
I did not choose to suffer from depression nor was I prepared to engage in old behaviors of self injury again in my life as a 38 yr old woman.... Yes 38. I am not young, and should know better, but it is there and I struggle every single day . Even on medication and counseling.
I do not expect everyone to understand me. I do not like to read other people's posts about how ignorant they can be on the subject though. I think education is far more important then not bothering to even try to understand what it is all about.