Admitting I Need Help
I am currently recovering from depression. After a life long struggle with my 'inner Iago', I finally admited to myself I needed help and went to see a psychiatrist. I've been having regular therapy sessions for over a year and in December of last year, I started taking anti-depressants. This was no easy decision and was taken after much soul searching. But I decided it was the only way for me to continue to move forward.
My Experiences of Medication
As is the case with many patients the first medication tried did not really work for me. Once again, after much intense soul searching and research, myself and my psychiatrist decided that I should take MAOIs. For those who do not, this type of anti-depressant medication is particularly controversial. This is because patients must control their diet or suffer potentially serious, even fatal consequences (in extreme circumstances). The MAOI medication also interacts extremely badly with certain other medications, which can be fatal. This is particularly the case with Opiate drugs & medications, which cause something called 'Serotonin Sydrome'. Serotonin Sydrome is fatal. I believe without exception.
The Reward Outweighs the Risk
Certainly the life style changes required to take MAOIs safely is not for everyone. But I have found them to well worth it. My depression is gone. My anxiety is gone. I'm not sure I can explain this feeling properly, but I shall try. After suffering from depression and anxiety for most, if not all, of my life, it is like I am no longer in pain for the first time ever. I used to feel physically sick in my stomach all the time. I no longer feel this. I used to feel what Winston Churchill called his black dog, upon my shoulder all the time. The dog is no longer there. I feel light. I feel. For the first time in my life, I can feel my emotions clearly.
Depresssion like Addiction: Recovery or Using
I see my depresion as like an addiction. A person is either using or they are in recovery. I will always be in recovery from depression. And I am very grateful for that. I will take medication for the rest of my life. I will have therapy for the rest of my life. And I will continue to actively work my own life, to improve it. Only all three of these approaches are enough to defeat the black beast that is depression.
My Work
My work reflect my passions. At the Language Emporium, you will find products that reflect my love of language: French, Spanish, German and Italian. There are gifts designed to celebrate my growing love of health, fitness & green living. I also create products for people who have similar experiences to my own. I am dyslexic and very proud of the fact, so I produce designs for dyslexics. I have several food allergies and therefore create products for people to celebrate their food allergies and be proud of them. And of course, I create products for people who have, like me, been lucky enough to survive depression. Finally, I produce products that are intended to raise a smile & bring a laugh. And products that allow people to share their love for each other. For where would we all be, without laughter & love?
