Posted by shellie on September 30, 2000, at 19:49:55
In reply to How to resume normal life?, posted by jzp on September 30, 2000, at 15:38:32
Jannette--Two years is a long time for a horrible depression, but in terms of life, it is a very short time. (You are probably too young to really have a perspective on this). I don't think you owe "someone you run into" any real explanation, either in terms of illness or depression. I would stay very light, answer something like "going in circles" or "trying to figure out what I want to do." or just have another meaningless phrase that you feel comfortable with. Then either move into talking about your new job, or turn the conversation back to what they are doing.I'm not saying this because I feel that depression is shameful or should be a secret. But these people sound like aquaintances, and generally one does not right off go any deeper than superficial in these type of conversations. With people that you trust and are your friends, when the topic comes up about the last two years, you'll probably share more and more with them as you become more comfortable with them, and with your experience of those years.
As for practical issues, you build your credit back up and fix your messes. Do things that you enjoy doing and you will find people who will become new friends, or become closer to some old aquaintances.
As to making sense of having gone through a depression, I don't think one can really make sense of it, unless it is tied to a event (divorce, death, etc.). But all illnesses are like that. My sister "lost" eight months of an otherwise "regular" life because she had breast cancer and went through chemotherapy, being sick and always being tired. Now it's over, she "is back". It's not something she can make sense of; its something she was able to get through; I think much more gracefully than I would have imagined. And you got through a horrible depression. You didn't chose it, but you had the strength you needed to to get through it. Make sense of that part.
Be gentle with yourself. Pace your "reentry" where it is comfortable for you. Good luck, Shellie
poster:shellie
thread:753
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/756.html