POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: MarcoPoz on March 26, 2009, 08:34:58 am
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Hey all!
I've been away for awhile and wanted to pop back in and say hello again, catch up with everyone and to say--at the age of 43 and having lived with HIV for 18 years--I JUST learned something very important.
I bit the bullet of my own pride and saw a mental health professional (2 actually) about my depression. I thought I was just grumpy and moody and blue--and that afterall--I deserved to be, right?
WHAT a stooooopid thing it was to do to wait!
Just in the short time since I began proactively addressing my mental and emotional health (with therapy and meds), I've:
-Had wonderful, passionate and comforting moments with my wife.
-Laughed, giiggled and even had coffee come through my nose once.
-Began playing the drums again.
-Re-opened my art studio
-Got back to the gym and set my competition schedule for this summer/fall
-Cried. Not because of the nebulous feelings of loss and disconnectedness--but because I truly felt empathy.
-Stopped thinking that my job defined me.
So--if you think you are dealing with depression--PLEASE don't wait to address it.
-Marco
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Very cool! Congrats.
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I agree 100% to what you said. I had to learn the hard way myself.I wish I would have known sooner.I had gotten to the point that it was crippling.
Dwayn20 (Scooter)Hey all!
I've been away for awhile and wanted to pop back in and say hello again, catch up with everyone and to say--at the age of 43 and having lived with HIV for 18 years--I JUST learned something very important.
I bit the bullet of my own pride and saw a mental health professional (2 actually) about my depression. I thought I was just grumpy and moody and blue--and that afterall--I deserved to be, right?
WHAT a stooooopid thing it was to do to wait!
Just in the short time since I began proactively addressing my mental and emotional health (with therapy and meds), I've:
-Had wonderful, passionate and comforting moments with my wife.
-Laughed, giiggled and even had coffee come through my nose once.
-Began playing the drums again.
-Re-opened my art studio
-Got back to the gym and set my competition schedule for this summer/fall
-Cried. Not because of the nebulous feelings of loss and disconnectedness--but because I truly felt empathy.
-Stopped thinking that my job defined me.
So--if you think you are dealing with depression--PLEASE don't wait to address it.
-Marco
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The oddest thing is--I didn't realize how 'bad' it actually was until I started to get better. Lately I've been saying, "Oh yeah--THIS is what ME is again--I had forgotten"
The meds have helped for sure. The thing I guess I'm most proud of, is that I dumped my ego and pride and began working with a therapist. Not in that "I'm the center of the universe, why can't everyone love me' kinda ranting, but in learning specific skills and processes to check what's going on and act early before I follow negative thoughts etc. to the point that I begin to sprial down. I'm hopeful that I can continue to be proactive, but I also know that this is all a process and there will be advancements and set-backs--I just have to keep moving forward.
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Marco -- welcome back. This is really wonderful news. I'm so happy for you.
I've had breakthrough moments like this thanks to good shrinks at certain points in my life. It's the greatest feeling, isn't it?
Why everyone doesn't seek some mental health support at least once in their life is beyond me. No one is that strong.
Again, congrats!
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Why everyone doesn't seek some mental health support at least once in their life is beyond me.
Considering the risk statistics on this topic as regards HIV you have to wonder if it's being brought up enough by HIV doctors.
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I just had to let you know, your positive energy radiates through your posts! Glad you're back!
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That made my day.
Thanks Marco
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That is great news Marco.
I am very happy you took the step and have made this discovery.
HUGS,
Mark
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That's great! Congratulations......... :-*
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Good for you ,I bet your wife is happy also.Your profile pic says a thousand words...Bet you couldn't or wouldn't jump that high before getting help..God Bless ;D
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Great news Marco,
Hopefully your post will encourage more people to seek help. I too put off seeing a therapist for far too long and finally seeing someone was a great decision.
Keep up the good work!
AA
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THanks for the encouragment! I had a similar experience.
xsufferer