Quote:
Originally Posted by DechanDawa
I wasn't sure where to post this.
I have extreme depression and anxiety due to chronic stress over life issues.
Awhile ago I realized that my personality has totally deteriorated.
I experimented for a month or two just faking being cheerful. Certain people thought my mental state had "improved" and I had gotten stronger mentally etc. etc.
But I was just faking it. Recently I dropped the facade and went back to my usual depressed mode. One relative said I was bipolar and needed medication for that. I tried to explain I was faking being cheerful so as not to burden others. Because I am not bipolar I was offended by a relative trying to diagnose me.
Here is my question. Should I go back to faking it?
In truth I am pretty depressed, angry, and irritable. I don't have road rage or anything...but I do find it difficult to have long conversations. After about 4 minutes I get bored with what the other person is talking about.
I live alone and less and less see the need for so much talk. In fact I have decided to be completely silent for the next 28 days. This isn't that difficult since I am socially isolated. But I am going to avoid the usual banter with store clerks about the holidays.
My personality has shrunk down and could fit on the head of a pin.
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Clearly your personality is there. You sounds like an honest, straightforward and light-hearted person. My family also likes to diagnose me, so I remind myself "what degree do they have?" I don't let other people's opinions bother me anymore. Similarly, I feel like there are many people out there faking pleasantness, especially around the holidays, AND many people walking around angry, irritable and unpleasant. I will skip the conversation with those people, TY! But, receiving a smile or a kind reassurance can make all the difference in a person's day. I'm sorry pleasantness doesn't feel natural to you right now, it does not at times for me either. On occasion, I have difficulty sleeping or I get pains in my feet or arms, and although I choose not to accept prescription medication, I will (when needed) take over-the counter meds. I hope you choose to figure out what is causing you to change your mind about being pleasant and emotionally remove yourself from other peoples woes and worries