Comments on: Stress, Depression & Me

By: John

John — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:58:35 +0000

Very nice writing about a difficult subject. Few people want to talk about it (unless you pay them) or acknowledge it as a real medical problem. When I told my wife about my depression and decision to take medication she said, “Snap out of it! Don’t you care what people think?”

Thank you for talking about depression & stress and for sharing your life.

By: a

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:18:37 +0000

hi jon,
thank you for sharing your story!

my husband has recently been battling depression and I am looking for suggestions of any reading material or websites that may help me understand how to deal with it.

any suggestions you may have are appreciated.

thanks,
a

By: t(h)om

t(h)om — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:14:09 +0000

sounds to me like you and Heather are right on track. all the best

By: Ramona

Ramona — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:26:52 +0000

You could blame Utah:

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN0563506920080306?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

By: Renae

Renae — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:12:03 +0000

I just wanted to send my utter support and LOVE to you, dooce, every member of your amazing little family, dogs and fish included!

You are all amazing people who deserve nothing but the very best life has to offer, but since this is, after all, life we’re talking about, and it doesn’t always work out, GOOD FOR YOU for getting help when you need it!

Don’t listen to the haters. I wish I had more useful things to say, but I at least wanted to let you know that we in this little family on the East Coast think you’re all fucking incredible. *HUGS*
Keep writing, love. We’ll keep reading!

Much love,
Me, the hubby, and the kiddo. The cat and fish too. ^_^

By: Erwin

Erwin — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:49:55 +0000

Hey Jon,

You are very brave for “coming out” like this. But I’m not surprised, considering that you already wrote about your earlier diagnosis of dysthymia almost two years ago. Do you think your current depression might have evolved (at least in part) from dysthymia?

I wrote back then to thank you for writing about your dysthymia, and how it prompted me to get diagnosed myself. Since then I’ve found that a weekly afternoon or evening “off”, preferably with some sort of exercise or activity, keeps me on an even keel. Does your own schedule allow something similar?

I still enjoy your writing and Heather’s. And Leta is adorable – and if she’s anything like my own daughter, even on her best behaviour she will still be a challenge

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:59:10 +0000

I feel so blessed to be able to share in your good times through your website and Heather’s. It is a vulnerable place to share with others the truth. I am a new reader, so I am unfamiliar with all the tough times but thought your Power Point Presentation was priceless. We could all fill in the blanks with our own lives and it’s a great way to approach some really difficult situations – with honesty, humor and conciseness!

In my family I have been affected by the disease of addiction and have found great solace in 12 Step Groups. It’s a place where I learn that I did not cause the illness, cannot contol it, and cannot cure it. However, I can learn how to cope and learn that the answer lies in my own expectations and ability to accept life on life’s terms. It sounds like you are on that path, especially with the combination of therapy and a mood altering drug. Therapy rocks! (Well, it actually sucks but helps too).

Ciao and keep on keeping it real!

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:46:42 +0000

Thank you so much. I also have a depressed spouse and have been on Prozac at different times. I appreciate you posting links as support for the spouse of a depressed person is hard to come by. Blessings and peace to you and your struggle.
Kim

By: Jodie

Jodie — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:50:22 +0000

I agree about stress triggering both depression & illness. I usually get sick more when I’m stressed. I suffer from chronic depression and was diagnosed as bipolar in 9/2006. It really has rocked my world and made me question my family history etc. with alcoholic dad & grandfather who could have been self medicating. I have to stay away from all things alcohol now as that and meds don’t mix well. I’m on Effexor, Risperdal and Lamictal. You need to do what it takes to take care of yourself… for you, Heather, Leta and the doggies.

By: sleepingKelly

sleepingKelly — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:15:27 +0000

This may be already mentioned in the comments, but I’m lazy and don’t plan on reading them. Because of that, I’m thankful that you do.

My husband and I are about to enter the voyage of parenthood. Both he and I (when I’m not knocked up) enjoy better living through chemistry, and, in our own little way, compete to be the craziest person in our household. What do you and Heather do to prevent rubbing depression/stress/anxiety habits onto Leta?

I’d like to have a game plan before our little girl enters the world. (oh, can you sense the obsessive planning that leads to anxiety and then to crazy feels of being out of control?)

Thanks for your openness!