Some people are depressed their entire lives, while others become depressed later on in life- usually in their teens or early adulthood, or so I'm told. As for myself, I've always been fairly introverted and cerebral, but I didn't start experiencing significant depression until I was 21 (about a year ago).
It always seems odd to me that I've become such a sad-sack of a human being, because as a teenager, I was highly productive and goal-oriented. I took great pride in my boundless optimism. I shunned TV news because it grossly overstated the amount of pain and misery in the world (I still think it does, for that matter). I read widely and deeply; I wanted to know everything, and accomplish great works with that knowledge. I had unshakable faith in the human race, and would passionately defend my species from criticism at every opportunity.
Needless to say, things have gone downhill (I'm here on SF, ain't I? ).
But anyway, I'd like hear your stories. Have you always been depressed, or was there a time when your life was better? And do you believe, in your heart of hearts, that you can someday be that person again?
It always seems odd to me that I've become such a sad-sack of a human being, because as a teenager, I was highly productive and goal-oriented. I took great pride in my boundless optimism. I shunned TV news because it grossly overstated the amount of pain and misery in the world (I still think it does, for that matter). I read widely and deeply; I wanted to know everything, and accomplish great works with that knowledge. I had unshakable faith in the human race, and would passionately defend my species from criticism at every opportunity.
Needless to say, things have gone downhill (I'm here on SF, ain't I? ).
But anyway, I'd like hear your stories. Have you always been depressed, or was there a time when your life was better? And do you believe, in your heart of hearts, that you can someday be that person again?