As I've said before, the arts are a tremendous tool in terms of communicating the reality of depression. So, I always look out for artists making a contribution. This suggestion came from my daughter and her friend. The 'suggestion' was very emphatic, as they told me that I had to look at this website. And they were totally right. The name of the blog is "Hyperbole and a Half". It's written by a woman by the name of Allie Brosh. Allie is clearly a talented woman. She writes a blog that describes her experience with depression and adds her charming artwork to complete the picture. I could relate to what she said. I truly was entertained by her artwork. The total package is absolutely wonderful. Somehow, she makes depression entertaining.
I have much more to explore on Allie's blog. My daughter and her friend tell me that Allie talks about more than depression on her blog. But from what I have read, I am going to tell you how I can relate to Allie. Here is what I found on target for me: First of all, Allie talks about how depression 'deadens' you and you find it difficult to feel joy. Even with activities that formerly brought you happiness. It is so true for me. When I find myself having a hard time finding the fun in life, I know that I am depressed. I am so busy worrying and feeling hopeless that fun is a concept that I can't even relate to. I do something that used to bring me pleasure, and it feels flat. Normally, I find the fun in life. I see the joy in small activities and experiences. Spending time with loved ones. Having dinner with an interesting companion. Reading an interesting and provocative book. Watching a TV program. Talking to people. But the times that I am depressed rob me of that ability to enjoy life. During a period of my life in Orlando, I couldn't focus on anything that took attention and concentration. I was seriously worried that the person who read compulsively during most of her life wouldn't ever again finish a book. I would look at a book and know that I couldn't find the enthusiasm to read it.
The other way that I could relate is in how she reacts to efforts to cheer her up. Hope is not something that you have when you are depressed. And 'guilting' someone into relying on 'hope' that things will improve simply doesn't work. It isn't because you WANT to feel that way, as Allie describes. It's just the way it is for you. You can't see the hope. I remember many times in my life when I resented the efforts of my friends to cheer me up. I wanted to please them and 'get happy'. But I couldn't do it. Happy didn't exist for me. Sad and flat did. Angry and worried did. But happy? Couldn't see it. And I truly didn't feel it. However, sometimes I'm a good actor. I can put on a happy face for people. I love the way that Allie describes that on her blog.
Right now, I can feel the difference. I'm home with my family. I'm in Tennessee. I'm on my medication. And I see options for dealing with the issues that worry me. So, I'm doing better. I'm reading. Enjoying times out with my daughter. Looking forward to creating a life. It isn't perfect. I have real issues to deal with. How can I find housing that is affordable? Can I stay employed in spite of physical health issues? Am I going to 'make it' through aging? But I'm not totally overwhelmed. And I do have hope that I can stay on a more stable path.
So, if you have a desire to read a blogger who is articulate and entertaining, look up Allie Brosh. She's really talented. Here's the website address: http://www.hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/ Hope you enjoy her art as much as I do.
I have much more to explore on Allie's blog. My daughter and her friend tell me that Allie talks about more than depression on her blog. But from what I have read, I am going to tell you how I can relate to Allie. Here is what I found on target for me: First of all, Allie talks about how depression 'deadens' you and you find it difficult to feel joy. Even with activities that formerly brought you happiness. It is so true for me. When I find myself having a hard time finding the fun in life, I know that I am depressed. I am so busy worrying and feeling hopeless that fun is a concept that I can't even relate to. I do something that used to bring me pleasure, and it feels flat. Normally, I find the fun in life. I see the joy in small activities and experiences. Spending time with loved ones. Having dinner with an interesting companion. Reading an interesting and provocative book. Watching a TV program. Talking to people. But the times that I am depressed rob me of that ability to enjoy life. During a period of my life in Orlando, I couldn't focus on anything that took attention and concentration. I was seriously worried that the person who read compulsively during most of her life wouldn't ever again finish a book. I would look at a book and know that I couldn't find the enthusiasm to read it.
The other way that I could relate is in how she reacts to efforts to cheer her up. Hope is not something that you have when you are depressed. And 'guilting' someone into relying on 'hope' that things will improve simply doesn't work. It isn't because you WANT to feel that way, as Allie describes. It's just the way it is for you. You can't see the hope. I remember many times in my life when I resented the efforts of my friends to cheer me up. I wanted to please them and 'get happy'. But I couldn't do it. Happy didn't exist for me. Sad and flat did. Angry and worried did. But happy? Couldn't see it. And I truly didn't feel it. However, sometimes I'm a good actor. I can put on a happy face for people. I love the way that Allie describes that on her blog.
Right now, I can feel the difference. I'm home with my family. I'm in Tennessee. I'm on my medication. And I see options for dealing with the issues that worry me. So, I'm doing better. I'm reading. Enjoying times out with my daughter. Looking forward to creating a life. It isn't perfect. I have real issues to deal with. How can I find housing that is affordable? Can I stay employed in spite of physical health issues? Am I going to 'make it' through aging? But I'm not totally overwhelmed. And I do have hope that I can stay on a more stable path.
So, if you have a desire to read a blogger who is articulate and entertaining, look up Allie Brosh. She's really talented. Here's the website address: http://www.hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/ Hope you enjoy her art as much as I do.
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