The five stages of grief are:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
People living with chronic illness often continue through these different emotions, as the pain continues, there are changes in one's limitations, and so forth. Even if someone reaches a place of acceptance, they can fall back to the other stages. It can feel like there are waves of acceptance. But, I'm stuck in a dip / valley, and I'm not sure how I got here or how to get out. I didn't even realize that I had come to some sort of peace with things... until I no longer had that level of acceptance (hindsight's 20/20, I guess).
I'm finding myself in the depression part of the model. I'm trying hard not to sink into a deep depression, but I know depression well enough to know that I'm there... just trying not to slide further into the darkness of depression. I need to reach out to a therapist, but it's difficult to do. I have an accountability partner, which will hopefully help me get the help I need. But, it's a huge step that I even am writing this out.
It doesn't help that I also deal with anxiety and panic attacks, which have both been worsening. I sometimes feel weird and need to sit down, but then I need to stand and/or move around... so, I'll just sit, stand, sit, stand, and so on. Meanwhile, my heart feels like it's about to beat out of my chest. I take my blood pressure and pulse, and they're normal... NORMAL?! How can they be normal, when I clearly know that something's wrong?!
These feelings of depression and worsening of anxiety didn't come on quickly (it's been a build up over months), so I can't expect them to just go away. I just need to find the strength and courage to reach out for help and start climbing out of the pit. I'm NOT done fighting yet!
Hi Jamie! I am sorry that you are suffering from depression. Last year when I going through my 26 month chronic daily migraine, I had no clue I was suffering from depression. I was totally surprised by this, because to me I was just suffering a daily migraine. Didn't clue in that depression was part of the problem. At the time, I was suffering major panic attacks. I have had anxiety since childhood. So, when i was diagnosed with depression too, I was surprised. After I was put on medication for my depression and anxiety, it was an eye opener for me. My depression and anxiety is well controlled now and allows me to see what my life was like prior to the medication. I will keep you in my prayers for all the battles that you are currently facing. Just remember you are not alone in this battle.
ReplyDeleteHolly
Holly