Testing DepressionA journey through severe depression, hospitalization, and medication.(Untitled)- August 13, 2005 When I got back to my room, I noticed that my bed had been lowered all the way down to its lowest position. I got into the bed and used the attached remote control to raise it back up to its highest position. I slid my legs under the blankets, pulled them up ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/13/57/ Group Therapy Continues- August 13, 2005 The other patients each had a turn to speak. I listened, but soon everything that they said became a blur, and I could no longer remember each person's story. Time was soon running out for the group therapy session. I noticed that Sheila was glancing at her watch more than she was ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/13/group-therapy-continues/ My Turn, But I Cant Think of What To Say- August 12, 2005 Group therapy continued around the room. When it was my turn, I gave my name and said that I had no diagnosis as of yet. I also told the group that I had nothing to say, because I felt awful and just didn't feel like talking. Sheila and the patients in the ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/12/my-turn-but-i-cant-think-of-what-to-say/ Group Therapy Begins- August 12, 2005 At exactly eight o'clock, the session began. A well-dressed woman introduced herself as Sheila and then sat down in a special chair at the front of the room. She said that she was a social worker and would be leading many of the morning and evening group therapy sessions. Sheila told us ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/12/group-therapy-begins/ Awaiting Group Therapy- August 11, 2005 Jack came by my room at five to eight, letting me know that group therapy was about to start. He told me to go to the main patient lounge. I thanked him. I thought about asking whether it was mandatory to attend, but I decided to try it out first. I ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/11/awaiting-group-therapy/ Called Paula For Help- August 11, 2005 I called Paula, a friend who knew about my condition but whom I didn't know too well. I had no choice because I was terrified to admit to my closer friends that I had ended up in a psychiatric hospital, and because I thought that I had already worried them too much. Paula ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/11/52/ My Calling Card- August 10, 2005 Fortunately, I had a calling card. It was the kind that automatically billed all charges to a credit card. I had always used it irresponsibly, never keeping track of the charges or even finding out the actual rates. It was a gift from my mother, and all charges went to her credit ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/10/my-calling-card/ Asking About the Phone- August 10, 2005 After dinner, we had a short break before group therapy. Charlie went to the main patient lounge, and Louisa followed him without being asked. I retreated to my room to close my eyes and relax. Realizing theat I had no idea how long my stay at the hospital would last, I went ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/10/asking-about-the-phone/ Louisa Gives Me Time To Think- August 9, 2005 We ate together, though my mind was lost in thought throughout the meal. It was for the better, I thought, since Louisa seemed intent on capturing Charlie's complete attention. Charlie would ask me a question every now and then, and I would answer, and then the conversation would return to Louisa again for ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/09/louisa-gives-me-time-to-think/ Heading to the Buffet Table- August 9, 2005 Louisa jumped up. "Let's go and get some food," she said, as she took Charlie's arm. Charlie shook her off his arm, and the three of us followed the rest of the patients. They had already begun to form a line leading to the table with all the food. It was ...http://www.testingdepression.com/2005/08/09/heading-to-the-buffet-table/ |