I am 19 and soon to be twenty in October. I have one friend who has been more than my friend. She has been my teacher (literally), my confidant, but most of all, my friend. She is also 11 years older than me and I call her "Ms. Angie." I think I first became depressed when I was a Jr. in high school-- 4 years ago(?)-- I didn't meet Ms Angie until I was a senior in high school. I had her for english and then became her aide. Having Depression is one Roller Coaster of a ride. But what is worse is not being able to get what I need (medication wise) because I am still under my parents' rule and insurance. If anyone knows how I can bend around the system, please, please let me know. I would appreciate it greatly!
Well, it started with my ex-boyfriend when he backstabbed me and got me in a whole whirlwind of trouble at school and with my parents. I was called to the counselors and wasn't released from there until it was time for me to go to Ms. Angie's. Since she was off first block, I had to wait until she came in the classroom; and when she did, I went up to her and she knew something was wrong and told me to just give her a few minutes to get the class started. We went out into the hall where I told her what had happened that morning and then because she was so sympathetic/empathetic I knew I could trust her with my "secret." And, even after I told me secret, she didn't "walk away;" instead she stuck with me! We worked together after school-- I had early realease and we'd work on it during lunch and her off period. One day after school, we decided to try something. We went down to the "computer labs" so we could use the phone. We went into one of the siderooms and I made the call. However, I was so upset that I could barely speak and eventually Ms. Angie had to get on the phone and do the talking for me-- during that whole time, she held me and hugged me and told me that it was ok; that everything would be alright; and when I was ready to break the news to my mom, if I wanted her to, she would be there with me for that as well. On the day for that, I somewhat snuck out the house and was able to find Ms. Angie's house, though I was too scared to actually go in her driveway but around 6:30 I called her house. She asked where I was and I couldn't tell her that I was on her street; I just told her I was driving around (her subdivision). When I arrived at school and hour and a half later she expected me.... we actially arrived around the same time and walked in together. That day was Hell!!! Or so I thought....
I graduated that year and summer came. I was at a friend's house one day during the summer and was daring her to call Ms. Angie; She actually did! It took her a long time to finally get me to go on the phone with her but I did, and that is when I found out that he had proposed and she was engaged. I told her what had been going on, how I was feeling and she gave me some numbers to call as well as letting me know that I could call her back afterwards if I wanted; which I did. When I called her back, I was having the time of my life..... then.... my world came tumbling down. I was still talking to her on the phone when my friend left the room-- I thought to eat b/c she wasn't allowed to eat in her room-- but, instead, she went to answer the door which was 2 uniformed police officers and 2 paramedics. It turns out that the hotline I called had traced the call saying I was "suicidal"-- which I wasn't, though I had admitted that I had been in the past. An officer eventually took the phone from me and talked to Ms. Angie, who explained the situation and everything. The officers were going to let it slide but the female paramedic refused. It was the ONLY time I will ride in an ambulance unless otherwise!!! I eventually that night was hospitalized. I was there for 3 days in which I did not eat, bathe, or use the bathroom and lost 8 lbs. While I was there, my family (mom) harrassed not only her but her fiance as well-- which surprises me to this day since I have no clue onto how they got his number. My family now hates her, especially my sister.
Through my ex-boyfriend's backstab, to my "secret", to my hospitalization, Ms. Angie has been there for me. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here writing... typing this to all of you here. She is my true friend. She, too, suffers from depression but has such a better handle on it than I do. I learn a lot from her on how to deal with this thing we (Ms. Angie and I) call a "brain disease." If anyone, anyone knows more about this thing as well as treatment and eventually recovery, please please, let me know. I would deeply appreciate it.
Sincerely,
AuSsieG1rL