Expectations

Dear Friends,

In my recent post regarding my diagnosis of depression, I was apprehensive, and a little afraid; having no idea what to expect from sharing something so personal. What I received was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded all my expectations. Your comments and emails have touched my heart.

I sincerely, and gratefully thank you for your incredible kindness during this challenging time. Knowing that I could be honest, and share what was really going on, has a lifted a burden that I haven't known how to carry alone. I had two doctors appointments yesterday, both assured me that I'm on the right track, and I'm moving in the right direction. The next step to finding out what is causing these headaches...eye appointment, sleep study, then the neurologist.

This blog is about quilting, and I'll get back to that as soon as possible...I miss it, and I'm itching to sew. Thank you again for your understanding, and your kindness. Many of you have shared your journeys through depression, and I'm grateful for your openness...a new sisterhood I didn't know existed.

much love,

Cherri 

Comments

[Sequana]

I did not respond to your earlier post, but you've been on my mind ever since. Let's just say that I've been there too and it's not fun.

Depression took four years from my life in the early 90's, but I've never had another episode if that's any consolation to you. *S*

You've done what you need to do seeking help, so let them help you now.......and good luck. If you can solve those headaches it will be a big step.

[Lisa]

So sorry to hear you have been unwell. I must have missed your last post somehow. I am glad that you are 'taking the bull by the horns' as we say in Australia and getting treatments. Hope you will be feeling brighter soon!

[Rachel Locke]

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Hope the doctors figure out the headaches soon. Prayers.

[Etty Robinson]

Sorry I missed your first post. You sound like you are doing everything right and I will pray for your speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing.

[Heather]

I'm so glad you're on the road to recovery, and I wish you nothing but the best. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers!

[Lynette]

Keep believing in a happier future. It will come! In the meantime, we're all always here.
{{{{{ }}}}}

[kcyardener]

may the sun shine forever on you, your bravery in facing and sharing all your struggles, and your wonderful work.

*blessed be*

[Barbara]

This blog is not only about quilting, this blog is about you. I'm glad you've found support your network of followers, of whom I'm glad to call myself one.

[Mary Ann]

Many hugs, headaches alone are a terrible burden without the depression as well. We are here to help as we can.

[Tif]

you have our unconditional support! i agree with a poster above, this blog is about you, first and foremost. i'm so honored you would share this with us.

[Elizabeth McDonald]

Checked back in to see how you are doing! I am glad that you had the appointments; the headaches are an un-necessary burden and I hope they get to the bottom of them SOON. It is true that you are very much not alone -- and I think your initial post as well as the post today tell us that WE are not alone either! Makes a big difference, only possible because you had the courage to speak out. Again, thank you from all of us!

[Mah]

I would like to remind you that most blogs are about friendship. The sharing of one's life, joys, sorrows, talents, a good book or picture and on and on. So from one friend to another I love you. (even if we have never met). Praying for a softer road ahead for you and your family.

[Robin Chapa]

First, a coincidence-- I bought the issue of the mag. w/ your quilt on the cover because I LOVED IT and knew it was the stash buster I was looking for. Later I read that you designed it and then I read your post about your depression and the magazine cover :)

I have suffered with depression-- I'm impressed with your courage and your openness and I get a strong sense that you are on the path to wellness. I have also struggled with headaches. I know this is going to sound RIDICULOUSLY simple, but no kidding, one thing that has helped me tremendously is drinking about an 8 oz glass of ice water first thing in the morning. A doctor suggested it when I was at the end of my rope-- something about quenching sleep thirst immediately and the fact that it's cold being soothing as well as forcing your body to focus it's energy to warm the water, not your brain? I know-- sounds weird, but it has REALLY helped me. Good luck with everything, thanks for sharing, and thanks for that quilt pattern-- woohoo!

[Patty]

I'm glad that you are on the right track, hopefully they will get a handle on the headaches son. Thoughts and prayers.

[Shayla Sharp]

It takes a lot of courage to accept such a diagnosis (denial is soo easy)--it takes even more to share that with others. You are one amazing woman! Big quilty hugs all the way from Oregon--they're probably a bit soggy as we've had a lot of rain lately, but the love is there! :)

[Kathy]

I came to this blog because of the amazing quilts and am a happy owner of City Quilts and several patterns. I stayed a reader of this blog because of you. I'm crossing my fingers that your headaches will ease and that your pain diminishes. Again, take care of yourself, you are much admired.

[Donna]

Take care of you.

[Lois Grebowski]

First off, hugs... I've been battling depression for years. I thank God for chemistry! A sleep study is no big deal. I took one and found out that I didn't even get into the deep-restorative sleep and was prescribed a med to help me get there (trazodone). Turns out it may have been a seratonin issue with my brain. Only got to stages 1 & 2 out of 5 stages of sleep. Now with meds I'm sleeping relatively well.

So happy that you are getting help and taking the time to take care of yourself. As for generalized pain, many anti-depressants can help.

I have a feeling that good times and better times are coming soon. Optimistic hugs!

[jennifer]

cherri--

always! i, personally, think you are fabulous. plus, you hail from my homeland-- always a plus!

[Lisa]

Best wishes that the doctors will be able to track down the cause of your terrible headaches.

[sans]

Thank you for sharing your story. It amazes me that depression still carries a stigma but, oh, how reassuring and comforting to hear so many others have struggled through this journey. The more we acknowledge the reality of depression the more we can help others by offering our support.
Headaches be gone! I've had several sleep studies and finally accepted that I have sleep apnea. Sleep deprivation is no fun.
Hang in there and keep taking care of yourself please.

[Peggy Grow]

My mantra is "medicate if you have to." I have been in denial about depression and anxiety in the past, hating myself for needing meds. But I am MYSELF when I have them. That other depressed, anxious person does not represent my true soul and strength. Hence the new mantra. God bless you. You are not alone!

[Miss Nancy]

I have walked in your shoes both with depression and headaches. To get better I have taken a path similar to yours. Just know that it does get better and that it takes time. I am on medication and am a better person for it. You are doing the right things and are on the right track. I wish you nothing but the best.

Have a super great day.

[katieQ]

I was unable to respond to your last post because it hit too close to home. I have suffered with depression since college (I'm now 62). Although I have sought treatment and was on medication in the past, I have never found long term relief. Thank you for posting about your own experience. It has encouraged me to try and seek help again. When I look back over the last 40 years, I realize how much I have lost to depression and I am not willing to lose anymore. Thanks again.

[Beverly Atkins]

Just came over from Jaybird Quilts. I'm so sorry you've not been well and glad that you have sought help and found it. I, too, suffer from depression. It's tough. I'll be keeping you in my prayers and checking back to see how you're doing. I just bought a couple of your patterns and I'm so excited about getting them. Take care of yourself. That's your priority.

[Lisa]

I have been reading your blog for several months because I think your quilts are just beautiful. It's been a *plus* that you are sharing your journey with depression with those of us that stop by here. I will continue to think good thoughts for you! I read Jaybird Quilts blog every day also - and it was great to see your gorgeous quilts there!!

[Kaaren Babb]

Greetings from CA, where I just returned from a week long retreat on the coast of Northern CA, and where your work was a complete inspiration. Having two friends who have traveled your journey, I offer hope that it will eventually come to pass, and you will be normal, albeit with caution, once again. Some of this healing seems to be about adjusting to a new normal in which YOU are at the center of the clock rather than scurrying around the outer edges with the second hand. Heal, heal , heal. .......Kaaren in CA

[Claudia Voorhees]

Great to have you back. I have been down that same road.
HUGS to you !!! Looking forward to more quilts from you !

[Carol J]

Don't give up on searching for headache relief. I have been in the e.r. 4 times this winter with migraines. Finally, got a new neurologist who only does headaches. He put me on 4 supplements and changed my blood pressure medicine. It has taken about 2 months, but I am so much better. I have been down with depression too. IF you don't succeed with one therapist, get a new one. I went through 4 to find the best.

[Marie]

I just came across your blog completely by accident, looking for a quilt pattern. What I found was a very courageous post about a terrible illness that can overwhelm so many of us.

I so admire your honesty and commitment to being well. :) I am sending many good thoughts and wishes your way. If you feel up to it, stop by my blog sometimes, http://nourishourselves.blogspot.com. I am rarely as honest as you (I disguise my depression with all kinds of euphemisms), but there is a common ground.

Now off to find that pattern!

[Cheryl Arkison]

So much courage, Cherri.
You've had a really rough run of things lately, so you deserve the chance and the effort of making yourself well.
You've got the world behind you.

[Ana]

I just found your blog and I am so happy that I did. I love your work and admire your courage. I am sending you a lot of positve energy and wishes of a prompt recovery.

[Laura Burke]

May I just make a quick comment . . . something for you to chew on or possibly research, but I've finally (i'm 45) determined that I fall into the GT (gifted & talented) category. There are 5 areas of giftedness. I fall in about 3 of the categories, but most notably is the "emotional" category... which is what contributes to my strong creativeness. My studies show many gifted, creative people suffer from depression. Just knowing this and learning about it sure helped me. Mine went deeper and I've since (after years of counseling) overcome TOTALLY, praise God, but the emotional sensitivities of my nature just compounded it. Many prayers for you now. I hope in some small way this information may help you as it helped me. Laura