I used to think depression happened only to weak people. After my stroke, I refused to be weak so I kept everything bottled up and tried to smile or laugh off my emotions. Today, 20 some years later I see the error of my ways. I kept everything inside until I blew up, in my case a burn out which left me no choice but to quit work. I was able to get a disability pension but even with all that I never thought for one second to seek professional help. When I finally did because my partner suggested it, I was told I was suffering from distymia which is a low grade chronic depression and most probably had this since my divorce 2 years before my stroke. Today I know that DEPRESSION doesn't discriminate. Anyone can have it no matter how much you try to talk yourself out of it. I was wrong and I learned the hard way that it doesn't mean you are crazy if you seek professional mental help. Asa matter of fact I now think if you seek help you are a lot smarter than someone who tries to get better alone.

My first experience with a psychologist was when I was still in the hospital and one was assigned to me because of the stroke. It was a negative experience for me because she spent more time trying to get my family to accept my stroke than she did trying to help me. Everybody (my family) thought I was so strong, I didn't need help but I did, I just didn't show it but the therapist should have seen it. I am glad my partner realised I needed help and made me seek it. Because of the distymia, I know I am prone to depression, so I watch for the signs and with reaxation exercises,meditation and consulting my doctor ASAP, I can get rid of it a lot faster.Depression is not a state of mind, it is a disease just like any other physical disorder we may have and it is treatable. The sooner you seek help the sooner you will be on the road to getting better.