If you heard the news recently you're aware that the world has lost a great comedian and man. Robin Williams has passed away and it's been reported at his own hand. First let me say that there is no judgement to be laid against this man. He is not a coward and he did not take the easy way out! What he lived with was severe depression...it's real...and it does not discriminate who it affects...and it can kill. Depression is an illness. It is not a weakness.
Have you ever experienced moments in your life when you felt depressed? I'm not talking about the "Monday blues" or the "I'm having a bad hair day" days. What I am referring to is the deep aching feeling of utter loss and despair. When life is beyond your abilities and you can't see through the fog of your thoughts and emotions. When your thoughts of ending your life seem greater than your desire to see another day come. Severe depression is not something that a person "snaps" out of.
The big difference between "having a bad day" and severe depression is duration. Episodes of severe depression can last for weeks, even months. It is not something you feel for a day and then the next you're fine. Depression affects all facets of your life and you may find that you're abusing substances or causing self-harm, during this time. It's a vicious cycle that repeats itself. Substance abuse, self abuse, isolation, eating disorders, anxiety and suicide are all a part of severe depression.
Have you ever experienced moments in your life when you felt depressed? I'm not talking about the "Monday blues" or the "I'm having a bad hair day" days. What I am referring to is the deep aching feeling of utter loss and despair. When life is beyond your abilities and you can't see through the fog of your thoughts and emotions. When your thoughts of ending your life seem greater than your desire to see another day come. Severe depression is not something that a person "snaps" out of.
The big difference between "having a bad day" and severe depression is duration. Episodes of severe depression can last for weeks, even months. It is not something you feel for a day and then the next you're fine. Depression affects all facets of your life and you may find that you're abusing substances or causing self-harm, during this time. It's a vicious cycle that repeats itself. Substance abuse, self abuse, isolation, eating disorders, anxiety and suicide are all a part of severe depression.
Is there a cure for depression? No, there isn't. What is available though is a combination treatment of medication, talk therapy and behaviour modification. It requires work and it will require time. Severe depression is episodic and it will end eventually but you have to hold on. When feelings of severe depression take hold we often isolate ourselves further. Surround yourself with the people you can trust and let them help.
If you experience depression please speak to your family doctor or health care professional. If you can't talk to them please talk with someone you trust. There are confidential phone lines you can call when you're struggling and need someone to talk to. There is no shame in depression. There is help and YOU ARE WORTH GETTING THE HELP YOU NEED! Please, don't let it take you away.
If someone you love is living with depression, don't expect them to "just get over it". Be there to talk if they need, let them know too that you're there. Don't pass judgment but silently accept that your loved one is hurting and they need you. Be there for them. Even if it's just to hold their hand, share a joke and a laugh, or a walk in the park, they do need you. If your loved one says things like "I wish I were never born" or "you'd be better off without me" take it seriously. If someone states they wish to die don't ignore that. They need your help.
Severe depression is an illness...not a weakness...and it is real. Please take good care of you.
Tammy
If you experience depression please speak to your family doctor or health care professional. If you can't talk to them please talk with someone you trust. There are confidential phone lines you can call when you're struggling and need someone to talk to. There is no shame in depression. There is help and YOU ARE WORTH GETTING THE HELP YOU NEED! Please, don't let it take you away.
If someone you love is living with depression, don't expect them to "just get over it". Be there to talk if they need, let them know too that you're there. Don't pass judgment but silently accept that your loved one is hurting and they need you. Be there for them. Even if it's just to hold their hand, share a joke and a laugh, or a walk in the park, they do need you. If your loved one says things like "I wish I were never born" or "you'd be better off without me" take it seriously. If someone states they wish to die don't ignore that. They need your help.
Severe depression is an illness...not a weakness...and it is real. Please take good care of you.
Tammy
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