So this is it. I never would have believed it if you had told me I would blog some day! So the question is "why now"?
There are a few reasons.First - I want to help, encourage, listen to, share with and pray for anyone who wants or needs it. I would not have said this a year ago. I was still in self-preservation mode a year ago but I have received love, support, teaching and prayers that have and still do help me on the road to recovery. I am truly blessed and I want to be a blessing!
Second - There are too many people hiding the fact that they suffer from depression or that they are on meds for it or in counseling for it because they are ashamed. It seems that a lack of knowledge has created such a stigma around the subject that there are any number of repercussions to divulging. So this blog is hopefully going to be a tool to help educate those that do not understand it and tips on dealing with it day to day and sometimes moment to moment.
And lastly - fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is difficult to explain or understand and even more difficult to live with. Often FMS and depression are intermingled as are other conditions such as arthritis. The symptoms of FMS will often vary widely from one person to the next. If you've been diagnosed with it or know someone who has, this will be the place to talk about coping with the various symptoms.
I do not claim to have all the answers or all the facts. I am not a doctor, counselor or an expert. So what qualifies me to talk about any of the above? Life experience. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in August 2001 after "post-viral" symptoms that started with a flu in May of 2000. The depression diagnosis came in December of 2001 after about 6 months of symptoms.
In the next few posts I will share some of my experiences and the things that helped me climb this mountain. I didn't do this alone.
In the meantime, here is some info. on FMS for anyone wanting to know what it is or for anyone needing to explain it:
http://www.tipsonhealthyliving.com/health-and-wellness/how-to-talk-about-your-fibromyalgia-diagnosis-with-those-you-love (I don't know why it didn't show up as a link. Can someone tell me how to get it here as a link of copying and pasting?)
Till the next post......
Aw, yay you!!! i'm proud of you for taking the plunge and sharing your wisdom. love you :)
ReplyDeleteHi! Welcome to the blog world! :) I look forward to hearing more about your journey and seeing how God has and will use you as you continue on it!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to 'new beginnings!'
ReplyDeleteLove and support all the way girl.
Love,
The Perry's
Thank you guys!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Kathy!! I heard something in Church last night that made me think of how powerful a support group can be! The speaker talked about how the Devil will attack you and one of the main things he tries to do is make you feel like you are alone. Like you are the only one going through these feelings and struggles. The Speaker goes on to say how there is huge power in the knowledge that you are not the only one, that there are other people just like you, fighting the same battles! A place like this makes it possible for people to come to that realization that they are not alone, and that is the first step at winning the attack. God is a healer, and I am excited to hear you share about your healing process, and also share about my own! Love you so much Kathy!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful you!
ReplyDeleteLove, Kelly
Andrea, I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you for your support and I love you too.
ReplyDeleteKelly, thank you. I love you and I know you've got my back!