30 replies to this topic

[drbill]

I suffered from clinical depression and suicidal tendencies in the late 80's, was hospitalized and it eventually took 18 months to break out of it. It was the worst time of my life and yet also very "instructive" to me. There was absolutely no way I would dive under those conditions. Heck, getting out of bed and walking around was difficult enough. Someone who has not gone through this would have a hard time understanding the condition.

Fortunately I have not had a relapse of significance since. I attribute that to the anti-depressant meds (Paxil and Trazodone) I take, and my even stronger will to live and love for life since that event.

Diving is one of the things that maintains the joy in my life. I would find it very hard to get clinically depressed these days (there were serious stressors back then). However, should it happen, I am quite certain I would not dive during a relapse.

Of course if I were just feeling a little "down" (doesn't happen very often these days), I'd head to the dive park!

Dr. Bill