Living with Depression: The story of Fred Friedman - his loss and recovery

Recovery from Depression

Dear Friends,

Recently, I saw this encouraging video of a man, Fred Friedman, a former attorney who used to practice law who went through severe depression. He lost everything that mattered to him during a worst time of depression - he lost his wife of 24 years, his law profession of 20 years, and most of his possessions, including his home of 10 years.

Friedman spent five weeks in a mental hospital, ten months in a homeless shelter and more than a year in a nursing home. None of these placements helped him get better. Friedman’s recovery started with his move out of a nursing home and into an apartment, with the help of a social services agency.

Friedman has rebuilt his life with some help and he is now a leading mental health public policy expert in Illinois who can comment on a wide range of related public policy issues. His story of loss and recovery demonstrates how it is possible to rebuilt life and live a useful and purposeful life despite the illness, and even help others who are in the same dire need.




I am thankful to God for helping me to cope with living with depression and bipolar disorder in my own life.

It is sad that there is still such a terrible stigma, misunderstanding and ignorance concerning depression, bipolar disorder and other brain condition. As a result, many are suffering in silence and not seeking the helps that are available and able to help them live a more stable and functional life.

I am thankful that there are many helps available in this generation. Through the severe relapse in end 2006, I was led to seek medical and counselling help for the first time, besides praying and reading God's Words plus some other helps. I thank God that after so many years of roller coaster rides with extreme mood swings, I have finally understood the reason behind them. To know that I suffer from this medical condition, that it has a name for it, is helping me to learn to manage it better and live a more functional life.

Seeking early treatment is very crucial. Family and friends support is equally important. Here are some coping means that I have found useful in my own experience.

• My Coping Strategies (14)

More resources about:

• Resources for Depression, Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness) and others
• Mental Health in Singapore, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Special Needs people
  

Thanks for stopping by! Take care and have a great week!

Warm regards,
Nancie