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My unwanted companions – depression and anxiety
As far back as I can remember depression and anxiety were my constant companions.
These two unwanted companions followed me everywhere I went.
They were there during birthday parties. They were there on Christmas morning. They were there on the first day of school and at sleepovers with friends, riding my bicycle, and on summer holidays.
Depression and anxiety were always there. Sometimes I wouldn’t notice them as much but I could still feel them.
I thought the way I was feeling was normal and that everyone else felt this way too.
One day I can remember my Mom making me a cup of tea, sitting down with me and asking what was the matter. Why was I so sad? I searched for the reason, but there really was no reason. Everything was the matter.
Sometimes I would think if I just changed this or that in my life then I would be happy. Then everything would be better. But it never was. My unwanted companions were relentless and never went away.
Several times throughout my life I talked with different health care professionals hoping to get some kind of insight into why I was feeling so sad. After seeing them, I would make some progress but it was never enough to set me free from those awful feelings.
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It felt like I was looking at a beautiful world through a window.
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It felt like I was looking through a huge plate glass window at a big, beautiful, wonderful world but I could never get through the glass to become part of that world.
Looking through that glass I admired the people who had self confidence and self control. I wanted so desperately be like those people but my unwanted companions would not allow it.
In 2002 my depression and anxiety became unbearable so I made an appointment with my Doctor to discuss how I was feeling.
She listened to me very carefully and set me on a path of recovery and good mental health. I will forever be indebted to her for all of her help and understanding.
With the right medication and counseling I have been able to send my unwanted companions far, far away. I have peace and feel confident that they will never return.
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“A Helping Hand” – by Lucy Ogletree
This painting was created for my counselor who helped me with my depression. I wanted to show her how depression feels. |
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Many wonderful things have happened for me since I have recovered from my depression.
I’ve gotten involved in humanitarian work which has enriched my life beyond what I could have imagined. I’ve made three trips to Sudan, Africa with a humanitarian organization called Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan (CASS). During these trips I help organize an art camp for the children of Sudan and in a small way try to make their world a brighter one through art.
I’ve become more involved in public speaking at various events and have enjoyed sharing my experiences with others.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet special people whom I admire such as Margaret Trudeau and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. These women have very openly talked about their own struggles with depression and anxiety. They have both been an inspiration to me to share my story with others.
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Lucy presenting Margaret Trudeau with a print of her painting “Phoenix” during a private reception for the annual Arts Project art show in London called
“Framing the Phoenix”
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I believe having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a treatable illness just like high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other illnesses.
My illness was not the result of something that happened to me when I was a small child but a chemical imbalance in my brain. With medication, the chemical balance has been restored and along with a life style change, I can truly say that I now live on the sunny side of life.
It is my hope that others will not be ashamed to seek treatment. It is my wish that they too enjoy this wonderful life that we are all entitled to.
If you are struggling with depression and anxiety remember that even when you feel your worst, look to those of us who got better and know that you will too!
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“Phoenix”- by Lucy Ogletree
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Lucy’s painting titled, “Phoenix”, is used in all the promotional materials for the annual art show in London called “Framing the Phoenix”.
This art show is organized by the Mental Health Promotions Committee in London, Ontario. Lucy is on the Mental Health Promotions Committee in London.
The image of a phoenix in general is used as the international symbol for the mental health profession.
For more information on mental health please visit the Canadian Mental Health Association website at www.cmha.ca.
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