No More Silence - My Battle with Depression

[Echo Looper]

(I recently lost a friend to suicide and so I decided to post an essay on my own battle with Depression on my Facebook page, it seems to have had a big impact with those that have read it on FB, and hopefully it can help anyone else here suffering with mental illness)

Original post here: Todd Michaelsen - NO MORE SILENCE - My Battle with... | Facebook


Feel free to share and comment. Keep the dialog open.

 

[Moderator]

(I recently lost a friend to suicide and so I decided to post an essay on my own battle with Depression on my Facebook page, it seems to have had a big impact with those that have read it on FB, and hopefully it can help anyone else here suffering with mental illness)

Original post here: Todd Michaelsen - NO MORE SILENCE - My Battle with... | Facebook


Feel free to share and comment. Keep the dialog open.

Thank you for sharing. It's our policy not to post original works on this site but have kept your link in case anyone would like to read it on Facebook.

I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend--my sincere condolences.

 

[Spideyman]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.

 

[no bounce no play]

(((Echo Looper)))

Your descriptions of depression are poetic... do you write songs?

 

[blunthead]

(I recently lost a friend to suicide and so I decided to post an essay on my own battle with Depression on my Facebook page, it seems to have had a big impact with those that have read it on FB, and hopefully it can help anyone else here suffering with mental illness)

Original post here: Todd Michaelsen - NO MORE SILENCE - My Battle with... | Facebook


Feel free to share and comment. Keep the dialog open.

Welcome to the SKMB, Todd. Keep posting!

Your essay is great. It's well-written and to the point, and most importantly it comes via personal experience as a guide drawn by someone determined to survive who found his way out of the darkness to show others the way. I have had my own struggles with depression and anxiety and hear your every word.

My condolences for your loss.

 

[GNTLGNT]

...Dude, that was quite a piece....I share in your pain at the loss of your friend.....I too have lost someone-my sister in law to suicide, and depression is an issue with my wife, who is successfully holding it at bay....I feel you about your experiences and applaud you for seeking help....the vortex doesn't have to suck you down....bad days will happen, but they don't need to melt into bad years.....bless your heart man....

 

[Echo Looper]

Thank you for sharing. It's our policy not to post original works on this site but have kept your link in case anyone would like to read it on Facebook.

I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend--my sincere condolences.

Ok thank you for keeping the link up. I'm a big fan of the SKMB and completely respect your rules. All the best and thank you - T

 

[Echo Looper]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.

Thank you Spideyman - Bless u

 

[Echo Looper]

(((Echo Looper)))

Your descriptions of depression are poetic... do you write songs?

Oh thank you very much, I actually am a songwriter. I used to perform under the name My Pet Dragon, but now I record/tour under my own name. If you are interested you can visit me on all social media under "todd michaelsen" and my webpage is toddmichaelsen.com Love and Light ,T

 

[Echo Looper]

Welcome to the SKMB, Todd. Keep posting!

Your essay is great. It's well-written and to the point, and most importantly it comes via personal experience as a guide drawn by someone determined to survive who found his way out of the darkness to show others the way. I have had my own struggles with depression and anxiety and hear your every word.

My condolences for your loss.

Thank you so much Blunthead - I think the more we can be open about these things (as long as people feel comfortable sharing their experiences) it can only raise awareness and help people A.) seek out help and B.) know they are not alone. - Love and Light to you, T

 

[Echo Looper]

...Dude, that was quite a piece....I share in your pain at the loss of your friend.....I too have lost someone-my sister in law to suicide, and depression is an issue with my wife, who is successfully holding it at bay....I feel you about your experiences and applaud you for seeking help....the vortex doesn't have to suck you down....bad days will happen, but they don't need to melt into bad years.....bless your heart man....

GNTLGNT - My condolences to you on your loss as well and I commend you for helping your wife get through the dark times. Its random when it strikes and its hard to understand the causes. We need to also talk about the loved ones that get affected around us by the disease(s) of the mind. My wife is my angel and I'm aware of the the toll it has taken on her as well. But help exists in many forms and everyone's path is different. Books and music help me in addition to medical treatment. That is the main reason I thought I'd share my story here with other book lovers. All the best to you my friend. Much love - T

ps - great Neil Gaiman quote too by the way

 

[kingricefan]

Stay strong! No matter how bleak things might seem, they ALWAYS get better.

 

[HollyGolightly]

That was powerful and so, so true. I had a breakdown in Oct 2014. It was July 2015 before I got myself back. It was agonizing. One of my kids asked me the other day if I was afraid of anything and I realized my only fear now is that it might happen again. I could fight Mordred with my bare hands but I'm afraid I'll be a goner if depression and anxiety find me again. I'm grateful the people in my life know what to look for. Peace be with you and peace to your friend. Suicide is so often what lies ahead of this disease if left untreated.

 

[mal]

I'm sorry you lost your friend to that despicable act. Keep looking for the light and a reason to keep on keeping on. There is a lot of crap and pain in the world but there are also pockets of sunshine and joy. Take care of yourself and all the best, mal.

 

[PatInTheHat]

Your found strength, my only sister couldn't, and now you exercise it, and how cool is that!
Stay the path, stay strong, ya sound like a real keeper.

 

[César Hernández-Meraz]

Thanks for sharing.

I've got a couple of friends who suffer depression, and experiences like this help me understand a little bit more about it, even if I may never truly grasp it as someone who goes through it would.