Moody, Miserable, Bitchy – And Why I Hate The Word ‘Depression’

~ the britchy one

I was talking to a friend today and said I’d been up and down for a few weeks. I’ve had a few bad events, sad reminders, losses and life is unsettled and it’s taken a toll. I’m not exactly a puddle of tears, snot and used Kleenex and I have had a lot of fun times too but it’s been hard to bounce some days and you know what?

THATS OKAY!!

Life isn’t all sunny pay days, it’s rainy cloudy and cold at times too! Sometimes my bum doesn’t just look big in this, it spans the Atlantic!

It’s unrealistic to expect to not be depressed or miserable at times and it’s okay to feel like that! That’s just life. Sometimes it sucks.

If you think you are never going to stand on the yawning edge of the Abyss with a bad case of vertigo – think again my friend. It can happen to any of us. A little compassion for anyone with mental health issues goes a long way.

I hate, Hate, HATE the word ‘Depression’. It trivializes a much more enduring and clinical condition than the occasional ‘down in the dumps’ feeling EVERYONE gets. We all feel “depressed’. It isn’t the same thing at all.

I really don’t like how people with ‘depression’ are perceived as weak either. That seriously pisses me off and if anyone says “Oh X just needs to get her shit together” or any variation of a dismissive comment like that – well.. they’re going to get a short, sharp lesson on exactly why I call myself the Britchy One.

A lot of conditions are caused by a chemical deficiency. Serotonin, Dopamine, Lithium – all are putting back something that’s deficient. They’re merely rebalancing your hormones etc.

Do you think of someone with anemia or diabetes the same way as you do someone with depression?

Both those conditions are caused by a chemical deficiency too so why are they judged differently?

So to get back to the reason for my rant – After mentioning I was deliberately allowing myself time off Facebook because I just needed a break from the fake ness of everyone’s ‘wonderful lives’… I was told “that’s not like you, you’re better than that”

I literally counted to ten and asked very calmly what that meant.(that should always be seen as a HUGE warning sign incidentally!!)

I was told I’m a strong person and I’m not weak enough to give in…

BOOOOM!!

That wasn’t destined to end well.

I had a choice, I could go nuclear or I could educate Britchy style.

I’m getting seriously worried I might be growing up because I didn’t choose the first door!

I said You know I have potassium and calcium deficiency right? Well when I’m getting low blood levels, I get severe locking cramps in my hands and feet and can’t use them. When people are “depressed” (I did use the old hands to quote that too!) – they are deficient in brainium chemical levels so their noggin locks up and plays merry hell with the bit of the brain that controls emotions etc. Its no different to any other deficiency.

She laughed at my technical explanation and said she’d never thought of it like that. I just hope she learns something from it.

“Depression” is an unfair word.

Chemical Warfare Hostage is what I see it as and anyone TRYING to function with mental chemical bombs and shortages raining down on them constantly gets my admiration. It’s long past time for the stigma to go away. If we aren’t labeling diabetics, anemics and anyone else with an illness caused by a deficiency as “weak” let’s not judge mental health issues either.

Today’s picture is of cake and George because while cake and kitty’s might not cure depression they always make you feel better!

Published by the britchy one

A PROUD American Citizen who was born and bred in England and now resides in the US. I’m married to an American who really didn’t have a clue what he was letting himself in for - poor sod! I’m a cranky bitch who loves cats and books and hates chocolate, politics and Dave’s. Oh and mosquitos. I hate those blood sucking parasites but since I’ve already mentioned politics I’m repeating myself! I’m a short, skinny redhead, 3 kids, 2 dogs, not enough cats and a mouth with a death wish. Blood group - certifiable.

74 thoughts on “Moody, Miserable, Bitchy – And Why I Hate The Word ‘Depression’”

  2. *starts clapping, stands on chair*

    I’ve had a few bouts in my life, and what drove me up the wall was the whole relentless positivity that would get thrown back into my face, like spit from a passing car. Putting it in terms of a physical ailment is an excellent way of handling it.

    Besides, everyone needs Facebook breaks. Social media should accentuate your life, not BE your life. *gets down off chair* So, about that cake…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  5. Facebook is evil …😫 all media r 😅
    “Depression” is a modern terminology. Sometimes I think everybody wanna feel “depressed” time to time, kinda “fashion” to throw the word.
    Also: of course!! – everyone knows HOW to help :))

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Depression is a blanket word that people use to comfort themselves instead of trying to understand what it actually means. Very well put. Thank you for this 🙂 My favorite advice that I got was ‘buck up and deal with it,’ That didn’t end well for all involved.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  7. Well stated! I hope that person learned her lesson. Or at least learns not to allow the stupid to spew out…

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. Standing Ovation 👏👏👏 One weird human and one barking dog.

    I’m with you on this for sure. I wanna give those Judgey McJudgeypants that say ‘snap out of it’ a smack upside the head (to get their attention, of course) and then explain the facts.
    Mental health is just as important as physical health. We see our primary doctor yearly (we’re supposed to anyway) to make sure everything is okay. We should have a mental health check-up at the same time.
    People with mental health challenges are STRONGER than the average, because they carry on with life (mostly) while fighting their illness. A fight few people even recognize is happening.

    Ok, rant over. Beautiful cake, BTW. Looks too good to eat😁

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  9. I always love reading the honesty in your posts. Mental health is important and it’s crucial that we recognize that. What are some tips you have for dealing with stress?

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Well cake obviously! Cake is the answer to everything doncha know?!
      The most important thing is recognizing it. So many times we just keep going, bailing out the sinking ship with a tablespoon instead of looking for the hole and fixing it. Being blinkered becomes a way of life. I think it’s important to ask yourself regularly if you’re happy and to know both what doesn’t and doesn’t make you feel great and to make a plan to fix what isn’t working. I really think
      practicing self awareness is key. That and working out when you need to seek help if you need it.
      Never underestimate the power of a good friend over a therapist! A good friend has your best interests at heart. A therapist is getting paid.. there is an advantage in taking longer to fix you.

      Like

      Reply

  13. Ohh I’m so sorry for you 😦
    I know the feeling . Let me hug you dear 🙇🙇🙇🙇
    You can always talk to me if needed.
    I didn’t know you had a FB

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  14. I only look at Facebook for the pictures and to post links to my blog. I can’t stand the political rants, the fake “look how perfect me and my life are”. I can’t imagine truly having depression. I was sad after breaking up with the fire hazard hoarder (it was 2 days after the breakup) and a friend said “maybe you should get on something”. “Like what?” I asked completely oblivious. “Like an antidepressant”. I told her “I just broke up with a 4 year boyfriend…I’m supposed to be sad. People have no idea what constitutes a normal response vs a mental health dysfunction. Bravo for you standing up!!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  16. Well said… there shouldn’t be labels for anyone. Glad you are having that delicious looking cake though! And… George is so cute!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. I tell people that I live with depression. It is a part of my every day life. I have a chemical inbalance that is corrected with medication. But I still have to deal with the fall out. I wonder what people would think (those who say the words shape up/pull it together/you are so strong) were to suddenly be felled by the desire to never get out of bed. To sleep so much so they did not have to deal with a world that they find so hurtful. I understand where you are ranting from as I have done it too. Hopefully as our children grow up, as mental health issues become the norm rather than the boogeyman in the closet, that depression will not be viewed as something controllable. I recently read an article (here on WordPress) wherein the author stated that it should not be called depression but seretonin deficency. Were we to speak like that, would more people listen? Sorry I am ranting.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    2. Oooh I’m loving the Seratonin deficiency title. I did a post a couple of days ago about a similar thing as I had heard a fellow blogger refer to mental illness and mental health as Emotional Health. And I love that too, hence the need to blog about it. But I reckon your Seratonin Deficiency is even better. Katie x

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  20. Yes, kitties always make you feel better.

    I am so sorry you have had some bad times, I hope the sun begins to shine more for you and brightens your days more than it makes them rainy. You are right though, it is unrealistic to think every day the sun will shine. Depression is certainly very serious, and yet, it is enveloped by stigma, the unfortunate effect of this is people not seeking the help they need so badly because of the opinions people might form. This was a wonderful post, and despite its serious messages, it was still written with sleek style and finesse and humour.

    I am very aware that my British-isms must stand out to you in neon flashing lights, I might as well be wearing a union jack. Who puts superfluous ‘u’s in words like humour–only the British! XDWhy? Because we are British. A poor excuse, I think 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. Absolutely Fantastic post to educate about human emotions! I could not agree more with everything you’ve said. I think people who don’t want to understand like labeling things so they can understand in their own finger pointing way. My best friend suffers with multiple mental health issues and MY GOD she is the BEST person and the most amazing artist. I love her more than the “norms” in this world 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Chocolate and a nice furry purry definitely help with life’s ups and downs. There’s even science to back that up. But I totally agree about “depression” downplaying the medical issue of mental health. You are SO right that it is just as physical as diabetes and heart disease, etc. Great job of putting on your big girl panties, too!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. Pingback: Moody, Miserable, Bitchy – And Why I Hate The Word ‘Depression’ — Bitchin’ in the Kitchen – A Guy Called Bloke and K9 Doodlepip!

    1. It just seems so dismissive to means yet – I’ve caught myself saying it at times too! I always apologise because it’s a horrible thing to say – it’s pigeon holding people and worse, it’s not listening to them

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  28. Hello friend, I agree with you. I truly disagree with those who say that people who are feeling down are weak, because they are not. Having down days happens all the time, and to a lot of people, but sometimes it weighs us down heavily. If you will keep an open mind, I can offer you with a remedy. May I ask, do you believe in God? God loves us and wants us to be truly happy. Here is something you can try: Find a quiet space free from distractions, imagine that Jesus is in front of you, talk to him the way you will with a close friend, tell him how you feel. Beware of sudden distractions when you pray, this is a trick the devil uses to stop us from having focused prayers. You might also get the feeling that God is not there or that you are simply wasting your time, this is another trick that the devil uses to discourage us from prayers. Be focused and tell the lord how you feel. Jesus is there with you and he cares for you, so invite him into your life and ask him to pour out his blessings. When you get the answers to your prayers, do not forget to thank God. Also try to maintain a relationship with him, keep telling him how you feel, keep thanking him and finding out about him. This way he can remain in your life and continue to work his miracles. Good luck and God bless.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to the britchy one Cancel reply