Tuesday, August 12, 2014

The Face of Depression


Ever since I was young I have dealt with depression. I was a highly energetic child, with many friends and endless love to give yet I was sad, often. When I was by myself or even in groups of people I felt very alone. Life always seemed so much easier for everyone else. I never knew what or when I would be thrown into the “darkness” of my mind and heart. It would sneak up on me and suck me in. So many times in my life I felt like I was drowning in my sadness and didn’t know how to get out. I was told at a young age that depression and being bi-polar ran in my family so I always had a name for what I was dealing with. I always had the ability to discuss it with my Mother which, looking back now, I think was a huge saving grace I had to fighting this disease of the brain.

You never know who is hurting, just because you have a smile on your face and are "functioning" doesn't mean you aren't suffering greatly inside. Depression can be in a 12 year old girl or a 60 year old man. You never know what is truly going on with someone. So be kind to those you meet, go out of your way to help a neighbor, give a compliment to a stranger on the street, make eye contact and smile. It only takes a small act of kindness to change a persons day. If I hadn't been given so much love and support in my life and felt safe to discuss my depression who knows where I would be today. And if you are struggling with depression know that you aren't alone. There are people that care. 

Click here for the National Suicide prevention lifeline.