Depression Didnt Get the Better of Me

Email To a Friend 18 June 2009 My name is Anthony and I have been clinically diagnosed with depression since I was 18 years old. I am now 35 and I have come a long way since then. On my 18th birthday, my mother passed away in a fatal accident, being hit by a drunk driver while crossing the street after her shift at work ended. I t was the biggest tragedy that I have ever experienced and I truly didn’t know how to cope.

My father caught me in the middle of trying to commit suicide and had me admitted to a mental hospital. I miss my mother immensely and wish that she was still here to love me like only she could. The hospital that I was in was absolutely disgusting. Having to share a room with absolute maniacs didn’t give me an ounce of comfort.

While there, I got to sample tons of anti-depressant medications until the staff found one that was appropriate for me. After careful evaluation, we all discovered that Cymbalta was the right medication for me.

Unfortunately, it took four weeks to confirm positive results. In the meantime I was excited to finally meet someone that I could relate to while in treatment. I was there for a total of three months and just being there made me want to commit suicide. This lady seemed to have a calm and peace that intrigued me. After many conversations, she introduced me to the eastern philosophy of Buddhism which totally transformed my life.

It was at that moment that everything around me seemed to no longer matter.

As we started to study together, we developed a bond and I seemed to have control over my emotions. I don’t know whether the medication was kicking in or if these new found beliefs were starting to help me see the light.

Anyway, I was finally released and I was ready to put the past behind me. My father and sister were happy to see me and I informed them of my recent experience in the hospital. I immediately found work and was able to get back into the swing of things at home.

Although the memory of my mother still consumes me, I am able to honour her memory by being as strong as I possibly could for her! I still keep in contact with my lady friend and we have been getting closer by the day. I’m hopeful for what the future has in store and look forward to living life to the fullest.

Anthony Roberts, Blackburn.

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