feeling depressed

[deb _dee]

hi my name is debbie but i go by deb lately i am feeling depressed and don't know why is this normal. i have had this since i was 18 yrs.old. i get stared at alot and don't know what to say . i don't have self esteem about myself anymore. i hate to look at my self in the mirror i have this all over my body. what can i do

please help.
thank's deb

[lilwings12]

Hello Deb,

I am sorry u feeling down, I can relate to what your going through as to feeling the way you do.

Just remember that God sees you as being a beautiful person that's why he created you because he loves you. Also the people close to you loves you for who you are not what you are.
I hope that makes since?

I hope u find some comfort in yourself.

Take Care

[Lancaster]

Hi Deb- I go through the same thing. People staring, looling at you funny. Sometimes when I get down about it, I try to think that God knew that I would be able to handle this disorder that is why he chose me!! So I am special!!

[cookie]

Hi Deb
I just wanted you to know,You Are Special!!!!
I have Lived w/ NF all my life, I am now 41.
I know its hard sometimes,but just try and remember, God put us here for a reason...

I hope your feeling better soon.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

[Blaster]

Been there done that
(the depressed thing- I'm ugly- etcetera)
Consider this........
If the Bible or Koran were to have the cover become soiled/stained, would it change the message/teachings contained within??
Absolutly NOT
This is true of people it is what is on the inside (our spiritual heart & soul) that matters.

Deb if you are the tune, find the words & together you will make beautiful music.
Music the whole world will "hear"
You the words? find the tune, Again Beautiful music.

[tina too]

Debbie

First if you are 18 and are feeling depress it could be a normal reaction to maturity we with NF are suppose to mature later.

You can also have surgery to have some removed

but you look in that mirror and see the woman
that God made and all that stuff is on the inside

I know I have looked in that marror too and now at 55 i see the eyes and freckles and the shape of the face etc.

[krissyp822@aol.com]

Dear Deb,

It is normal to feel depressed at times when you
have to endure what you are dealing with everyday.
I do not have NF but my daughter did. She was diagnosed at 5 months old. She although for most of her life did not have really much external neurofibromas she was still at times very self conscious of her appearance. She had a plexiform
in her buttocks and pelvis/sacrum area. She would
never be seen in shorts or bathing suit, even some dresses and pants that would show the area.
She passed away in July her name was Ashley and
I think of her each and everyday. I hate NF because what it doesn't do physically it does mentally to your self esteem at times. We live
in such a shallow society based on looks so as
we either get older or have something that looks
different than "normal" we find ourselves feeling
inferior. I hope that you are speaking to someone
about this. I think it is as important as the physical evaluations to take care of your state of mind. As I have said I can only imagine how you feel because I know what I have witnessed and
I want you to know you are not alone or crazy or
should even question your sadness at times. If you
ever need to vent I am here for you. I know
you do not know anything about me or who I am but
I am a mother and I understand NF all to well. If
you want to get in touch w/me antime just email me. I started a foundation that you can visit at
www.ashleygraziano.com and will be traveling the country fighting for more money for research and
speaking about awarness to others. Your not alone.
There is always someone for you to talk to.
Kristen

[tina too]

kristen

I will help you if you ever come to Philadelphia. I hope the yopung Lady
knows we are more then what is on the outside.

tina Tinawaterbearer@yahoo.com

[rere]

You know what? I have been here, in 17 and im towards the end of my own deperssion. I know what its like to look in the mirror and hate wghat you see, for me it was at the point where for about a year I couldnt even look at my reflection, it made me feel discusting to.so i can relate 100% But you are beautiful, so beautiful. Its not normal to feel like this, You should ring a depression line and gets some help and work through this becasue believe me you dont want to in your 40s and still hating your self because then that will go on to your kids and its likely theyll hate themselves to. And once you start talking to some one it will get beter and easier even if at first it dosent seem to help eventaully it will, For me reachinng out and getting help was one of the hardest things I have done. but its so worth it. Do you have any good friends that you can confide in?