Disclaimer

In a blog such as this one, where I am sharing both my own experience, strength, and hope regarding depression with other depression sufferers and keeping folks up to date on some of the latest depression research, a disclaimer is necessary. So, here it is:

I am not a doctor. Nor am I therapist. In fact, I am not a health practitioner of any kind. I’m a writer and a career/life purpose coach who has suffered most of my life from major depression. My expertise lies in being a depression survivor and in having taught myself effective strategies to heal from this horrid disease. The suggestions I share in this blog are just that: suggestions for a more holistic approach to recovering from depression. They are meant to supplement any treatments you are receiving from professionals, not replace them.

If you are experiencing depression or manic depression (bipolar disease), you need to be under the care of expert, trained, licensed health care professionals. Depression and bipolar disease are serious, life-threatening illnesses. They are not to be taken lightly. Do not stop any medications, therapies, or treatments your professional health care team currently has you undergoing in favor of suggestions from this blog. If you would like to try something that this blog suggests, be sure to discuss it with your professional health care team first. You can work with them to ensure that the right monitoring and support systems are in place.

My vision is for a world free of depression–a vision I understand probably cannot be realized in my lifetime, yet I feel compelled to do what I can to bring that vision about. At the same time, you are responsible for any suggestions from this blog that you try out for yourself, not I. If you choose to implement anything suggested in this blog, you do so at your own risk.

I wish you all the best as you take responsibility for your depression and do everything you can to get well, while working closely with your professional health care team and other support structures. I believe with all my heart that we–all of us depressives–can recover fully from depression and put it behind us for good. Hang in there, take it one day at a time, and feel better soon.

Blessings,

Patricia R. Henschen