You have the power inside of yourself to decide that you are not going to live like this forever.
Carla Silver's Story
What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?
After the birth of my first child, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. I remember my (ex) husband driving me to the emergency room because he believed I was suicidal. The doctor asked a few questions, took some notes and told him to take me home and get a therapist.
What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?
After spending years not really being active in any kind of changes, I’m now determined to live life as true and honest as possible. I’m slowly trying to incorporate healthier choices and exercise, and I’m working hard every day to change my way of thinking.
Who has been there for you? How?
My (ex) husband spent years telling me I was lazy – that I was using the depression as an excuse not to do anything or behave correctly. My family felt the same way and almost everyone in my life has left. Even my oldest daughter (17) does not believe in major clinical depression. The only person who has stayed with me through it all has been my oldest sister. She has never given up on me.
What accomplishment are you proud of?
I am most proud of finally getting out of the pit. I spent so many years depending on others to help me out when it was up to me all along. I had to start seeking out my own path to getting better: changing my thinking, being positive and hopeful again, not believing what others said about me and reaching out to help others.
What's your advice to someone else living with depression?
My advice is to stop depending on others to pull you out. You have the power inside of yourself to decide that you are not going to live like this forever. It is hard. I know. But it begins with you – start small, start determined.
I am most proud of finally getting out of the pit. It was up to me all along.
Is there anything else we should know?
I have a Facebook page, blog through Wordpress and a new website for my new support group, Depression Anxiety Trauma Group (DATG) of Asheville. Meetings for DATG of Asheville will begin in the new year and it will be unlike any support group out there.
About
Carla Silver
I've lived with depression and anxiety all my life. My parents were there but absent emotionally, and when they were around they were very controlling. My oldest sister told me recently: "Our parents want you to be happy – they just want to control it". And they do with much aplomb still.
My siblings were busy with their own lives, so I grew up alone. I married my high school sweetheart and found myself at the mercy of someone else's control; and as the depression grew worse, I was misunderstood and abandoned. That was before the divorce. I have three kids (two still speak to me) and two cats and I live alone.
Up until six or seven months ago, depression was winning and it took an act of God to keep me on this earth. It is only through writing that I stay sane, although lately I'm beginning to believe sanity must be overrated. Depression is very much a part of my life, as is anxiety. Most of the trauma I've suffered is resolved (rape and abusive relationships) but I still deal with quite a bit of anger from time to time. I am trying to help others who are going through the same things as I am, and hope to get my support group (Depression Anxiety Trauma Group of Asheville) going in the New Year. The photo included is the me I would like to be again, in happier days.
Ashley Peterson
"Everyone's recovery journey is unique, and there is so much that you can learn from both self-reflection and hearing other people's stories. Take wh..."
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