The 'D' Word
It's taken me months to start writing this. The furthest I got was the title, and it has been sat at the top of the post list as a draft.
It started with a doctors trip.
It's taken me months to start writing this. The furthest I got was the title, and it has been sat at the top of the post list as a draft. Reminding me that I was intending to write something about it. An uncomfortable wave of what I can only describe as shame each and every time I see that title staring back at me.
I'd described some persistent fatigue to a couple of colleagues, and my wife, and decided to go get checked out. I thought I might need a blood test, but the first thing the doctor said was Depression. Of all the things that I was expecting from that doctor's appointment, that was not one of them. It hadn't even occurred to me that depression could be the reason for the symptoms that I was experiencing.
He went on to mention some strategies and life adjustments, but the thing that made it click for me was this video;
After I got home, I actually thought about my situation. I came to the realisation that I needed to spend the time to start making some changes in my life. I'm so greatful that my employer allowed me to take the time, without having to worry about how we were going to make ends meet. They were—and still are—incredibly supportive.
I started going for regular runs — and achieved 5km, which nearly killed me. Unfortunately that has tailed off over the last couple of weeks, but want to reboot that effort as it made me feel good. I've also been starting to eat healthier, which is an on-going struggle.