So yes it’s no secret that I talk every day about relationships, breakups, dating, being single, men and male issues but this topic today will be one of the utmost importance. If you follow me on Facebook you know I post every fun day there is. I love to celebrate everything. Any who this is no different. Although this is no laughing matter, it’s important to spread love.
I’m writing and posting this one day early because this is super important. Depression will affect everyone in their lifetime at least once. Theres nothing to be ashamed about if you find yourself dealing with depression more than others. I want to shed some love and light to you that are suffering in silence. Let me just give you some information on depression. One if you are suffering for more than 2 years with depression that is considered persistent depression disorder. Many people fall into this category. Some of the life’s hard events can land you not able to deal or cope well with your surroundings. There is any loss such as job, loved one, etc, or birth of a new baby, buying a home, moving, etc that can trigger depression.
There are different categories of depression such as bipolar, manic, or even postpartum. We as a society tend to ignore the signs of loved ones and attempts to mask the real pain. We need to speak up. If you or a loved one is suffering please do not ridicule, talk down on, or make your friend or loved one feel less than human. The reality is that depression can attack anyone at any time. Not one person is in a position to judge someone else.
Some people deal with depression differently. There are some that do not need medication but have found ways to cope such as utilizing a diary, music, etc. There are others who need the help of licensed professional. Let me say that if you find yourself having to seek help, seek the help. There’s nothing weak about you. You just need someone else to step in and give you the help you need. That help can come in the form of medication as I stated earlier, seeing a psychiatrist, or finding new coping methods.
Some symptoms:
- extreme irritability over minor things
- anxiety and restlessness
- anger management issues
- loss of interest in favorite activities
- fixation on the past or on things that have gone wrong
- thoughts of death or suicide
Physical symptoms:
- insomnia or sleeping too much
- debilitating fatigue
- increased or decreased appetite
- weight gain or weight loss
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- unexplained aches and pains
The first thing people do when they read a story where someone has harmed themselves or someone else from a bout of depression is, they should have spoken up. The real reality is that often times they do. They reach out to that girlfriend who doesn’t have time to call back, or that parent that is so focused on other things, or even that husband who is stressed himself from work. People need to see more empathy in the world. I know that’s asking a lot especially when people are so caught up in their own world but we need more people to be proactive. I challenge you to reach out beyond your schedules, your time, etc to someone today. Smile at someone today. Give of your time. If someone you know is already getting help, be a support system. If you can’t, don’t make it harder on them by running them down because you know they are dealing with it either. Momma always said if you can’t say anything nice don’t say nothing at all. If you say to yourself that you don’t know of anyone who is hurting, take a look at your social media. Lots of people are expressing hurt and pain to the world. Start there with some positivity.
If you are dealing with depression, make a call to your doctor or call 1-855-hope-611, a 24 hour depression hotline that has some licensed professionals that can help you with referrals, etc. Also there is the national suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-8255
There is help out there don’t suffer in silence.
