As the end of the year approaches, we all tend to reflect on what has happened over the course of the year. I want to go back a little further than that.
In May of 2017, I came out of a several-years-long depression. I remember it so clearly. It was like a veil had been lifted and I was seeing the world for the first time.
With this in mind, I looked back at my stats for the last couple of year here on WordPress.
You can clearly see that in 2017 there was a good-sized spike in my activity here. That new enthusiasm to write was due to the “awakening” from my depression.
My Most Viewed post of all time has been one I titled Depression-A-Killer. That tells me that there is still a HUGE need for enlightenment, awareness and information. The stigma remains, but I do think that the battle to end it is making progress.
Why do I write about Depression? EVERY DAY 121 Americans commit suicide. 50% of those people suffered from depression. Reason enough? I thought so too. If you need help -The Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7 is 1-800-273-8255 Is talking to someone too much for you? It was for me at times. There is a Crisis Text Line. Text 741741 and you can text with a counselor.
The one thing in my life that I am most thankful for is the end of my depression. Depression took so much from me, it feels amazing to have my life back. I’m happier than I’ve ever been and my life is full and rich. I have many, many blessings.
If you would like to see any of the other pieces I’ve written about Depression, you can find those HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.
As you can see this is a subject that is important to me. 🙂 ❤
As we go into a new year, I want to thank all of you that have joined me on this up and down journey. I hope that each of you are blessed with every happiness your heart could desire.
Penny ❤
Copyright (C) 2018 Penny Wilson
Reblogged this on Penny Wilson Writes.
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How did you gain a blog community? I’m longing to find others who can relate to everything I’ve been through and continue to go through, but I’m not so great at this social media thing. Suggestions? You’re an inspiration!
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Thank you, Lizzie! No one has ever called me an inspiration before! On WordPress, you will find a warm and welcoming community. Building that community does take time. Explore other blogs. Read and comment on those pieces that touch you. Follow those blogs if you want to. Soon, people will start following you back and finding your blog just like you found theirs. Always be kind with your comments and you will reap the rewards. Any community has a few jerks, but I’ve found that on WP, those are few and far between. Welcome to WordPress!
If you would like to read other pieces I’ve written about Depression, just search “depression” in my archives. You’ll find several.
Happy blogging, Lizzie. 🙂 ❤
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Dear Penny, thank you so much for your post on depression. I have lived with it mostly all of my life and watched my family struggle and parents die from illness. I have severe mental illness I believe all the stress, they say that psychosis and schizophrenia are genetic. Please read my blog and if you like my honesty regarding my life please follow me as I’m new to this! all the best Amelia x
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Welcome to WordPress, Amelia! You will find a supportive, amazing community here. Happy writing!
Penny
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Thank you so much !
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🙂
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Thanks for spreading the word about mental illness. There needs to be more people to open up about this so there can be less of a stigma. Keep doing your thing!
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Thank you!
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Onwards n upwards P!
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Thank you, Michael. 🙂
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I really enjoyed reasons your blogs.please check out mine. New member struggling with the daily battle xx
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Thank you and thank you for writing about your depression. I know it takes courage. Stay strong!
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That statistic is horrifying, Penny. I am happy for your and wish you all the very best for 2019.
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Thank you, Robbie. Happy new year to you too! 🙂
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Ah! It’s so important to know stories of people who’ve battled Depression and have come out victorious. Thank you for taking the effort to post this. Happy New year to you & your loved ones Penny.
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Thank you and thank you for the visit!
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you Chuck! ❤
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Great post, Penny! Thanks so much for having the willingness and courage to share this with us!! This is a heartfelt thanks from me as I lost my brother at 25 years old from an intentional OD. It is my honor to pass this on to my followers!!
Happy New Year to you, My Dear! I am so glad to see the blessings you have been enjoying! Thanks for the sweet wishes!!!
xoxoxo
Chuck
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Thank you, Chuck. I’m so sorry about your brother. Depression is a thief. It takes from us, happiness, meaning and lives. Happy New Year Dear Friend!
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Depression is still so badly misunderstood… it is paralysing.
Happy new year to you, Penny.
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It sure is. Thank you, Sue and Happy New Year to you too.
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I am glad that you overcame the depression. I think it is great that you continue to put the word out 🙂
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Thank you, Dear Trent. ❤
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Penny, I am thankful for your continuing efforts to write on the topic of depression. It is so important to raise awareness to help those dealing with depression and those who love them. Your writing blesses us. Thank you.
I am thankful that you personally have risen from the darkness of depression into the light. You go, girl. You are strong. You are incredible.
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Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, Audrey! It truly means a lot to me. I NEVER take for granted this feeling of “have risen from the darkness of depression into the light”. When I look back on that horrible, dark period of my life, I want so much to make others aware and to educate. That’s what keeps me posting about depression. Remembering those dark days.
Thank you again, Dear Friend. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Well, you are doing a darn good job of educating and raising awareness. Keep it up. I appreciate you! And your efforts.
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Thank you so much!
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So happy for you Penny. May your days be blessed with light and love.
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Thank you kindly, Linda! And I wish the same for you. ❤
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