who suffer from depression and their loved ones.There are so many people out there that are just like me. They are searching desperately for some solution to the mental anguish they go thru every single day of their lives.
I am by no means and expert on depression but I do know something about it and I planned to do a lot of research and present my findings in layman’s terms. (I used to try to wade into ‘doctor’s speak’ and just wound up discouraged.)
My wife, however, told me that no one is interested in reading something they can get on the internet
and within five minutes have all the information they need.I did sort of an unofficial survey to see what my readers’ would prefer. One reader said (in a very nice way) that my blog looked like spam. So I switched to writing about my own experiences and the response seemed very promising.
Now I feel like I’m stuck whining about my depression and hospital stays instead of helping others.
What a conundrum; whine or do something constructive?
What do you think? How can I best help others? That’s my ultimate goal.
Whine about my problems or try to help others with theirs?
6 comments:
ReplyDeletetricia said...
I don't see that is has to be one or the other. What about both? I was in a very bad place when I started blogging. (Not to say I'm in a great place now-- but I'm a hundred percent better. I couldn't talk to anyone without crying-- I really wanted to die. I wrote and cried and complained and tried to help myself and others by sharing my stories. I have learned since that through sharing I have helped others and I know it has helped me. My suggestion is to do what feels right for you.
April 6, 2009 6:29 PM
Inge' said...
Darrel,
When I started blogging it was all about the troubles my mom and I have run into dealing with my grandmother's depression. That was what was consuming me at the time. I like you wanted to inform others that may be going through the same thing of some of the pitfalls we faced and how they could possibly avoid them.
But that is not all that I blog about. I blog on several different topics as you know. I think you have to go with what you know. You know what has happened to you and how you are dealing with it. That is your song. I don't consider it whining and complaining as much as I consider it a window into which so very few of us get to peer into. By reading about your trials, we all may be able to view the people in our lives that suffer from this with very different eyes.
As far as how your blog looks: It is YOUR blog. Design the way you like. Put photos, widgets, whatever that you like on there. I have all kinds of junk on mine and I don't care if it looks like spam or sounds like you are sitting in Sunday services:)
I think that what you have posted in the past has been informative,insightful and personal. To me that is a good mix.
So my advice to you is write in the style you are most comfortable writing in that day.
I do like your new layout!
April 6, 2009 10:46 PM
Darrel said...
Tricia
Something you said struck a responsive cord with me. I used to get emotionally choked up over the smallest things. For a macho male (LOL) it was hard to cry in front of, say, my son. I like the idea of writing about both. I just have to figure out how now.
Thanks
darrel
April 7, 2009 6:35 PM
Darrel said...
Inge
Sing my own song?........I like that. It seems that you and Tricia concur. You two are among my most faithful readers so I will try to go with what you say and take it day by day.
Thank you so much
darrel
April 7, 2009 6:42 PM
Josef Fight Report said...
Just keep writing from your heart. People want to feel connected or that they are not alone. I would think your blog should have a sense of empathy at its core.
April 8, 2009 9:48 AM
Darrel said...
Thanks Josef.
I should have known that 'writing from the heart' was the way to go. I appreciate you articulating it for me. Now comes the hard part: to actually do it!
Thanks
darrel
April 8, 2009 10:21 AM
Hi Darrel,
ReplyDeleteAs Tricia said, I dont think it needs to be either or. People cannot argue with life experience. Facts and stats can be debated, but you cannot dispute someone's own story. People want something that is real -so tell it! Perhaps ending on a good note, a positive note -where possible- helps eliminate the 'whining' (although you're not whining) little things like the pic of your wife, brings it back to reality, and lets people know that although you are suffering, you are not completely without hope -it keeps your posts honest and real, but brings positivity to an often negative experience.
Just a thought. I'm looking forward to following your stories ;-)
Well the receptionist made me wait as punishment for being 2 minutes late. After 50 minutes I begin to chat up the newcomers. I found that at least 4 patients who were scheduled 1/2 hour to an one hour after were seen before me. One came in around 9:00ish and only waited 10 minutes. Another was seen after waiting 15 minutes. I waited 1hour and 55 minutes
ReplyDeleteInge
ReplyDeleteI know where I'm going and am ready to go.. my family, of course.,,,,,,,, doesn't want me too but I'm just tired of the pain. I do know this,however, it will be in His timing. So I don't worry about it.
darrel
Hi Darrel!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and visiting my blog, I'm glad you enjoyed my Holy Week post!
Personally I think people connect more with personal experiences and stories. But if you want (and it's a good idea) you can supplement your stories with useful information and references you've researched. Combine both and I'm sure you'll find the right balance.
best of luck!