May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With this in mind, please read the piece below.
I’ve heard people say things like “Oh, she’s just depressed”. Just?
Most people, unless they’ve been there, have no idea what depression is really all about. Most people use the word Sad.
It’s not really sad. But yeah, sometimes it is. It’a hollow, hopeless, emptiness, that consumes you. Your world is black and bleak. Nothing matters.
You could be expecting your first grandchild, or your son’s dream of attending Yale just came true, it doesn’t matter. You put on a brave face, smile and act the part, but inside, you are barely functioning.
This is depression.
I’ve had times when all I wanted to do is sleep. Because when you sleep, the world goes away. You don’t have to deal with… anything. Even if all that means is making dinner, or taking a shower, or driving to the store; it’s all just too much.
What you are feeling inside is an incredible darkness. A hopelessness and helplessness. You also feel worthless, defeated, unworthy and shameful. So you hide. You hide your symptoms.
This is why Depression is such a serious thing. It can be a deadly thing. When Everything is too much to deal with, what’s the alternative?
If you know someone that sleeps too much or isolates themselves, please reach out to them. If they have stopped their normal pursuits, the things that used to make them happy, pay attention! Just knowing that there is someone who understands can be a great comfort.
If you have these types of feelings, talk to someone. Anyone. Talk to your doctor or a friend or a counselor. There is help out there. There is No Shame in what you are feeling.
There is such a stigma attached to depression. People have swept it under the rug or they dismiss it as something trivial. It’s Not trivial folks!
Think about Robin Williams, Kurt Cobain, Mindy McCready, the list is a long one.
It’s real folks. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation about it.
Please visit my Mental Health Help page HERE for more information and helpful resources for where you can find help. The suicide prevention helpline is 988.
Copyright (C) 9/1/17 Penny Wilson
Penny Wilson Writes 
Such an important post Penny. Thanks for sharing all of this~!
💗
LikeLike
You’re welcome and thank you, Cindy! ❤
LikeLike
Thank you, for sharing! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for continuing to bring awareness and light to shine in the darkness, Penny. May those who most need to hear your words find them. 💞
LikeLike
Such a sweet comment, Dawn. Thank you! ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly the points I state to my husband when he’s giving helpful advice. No, you can’t just give yourself motivation to fill that void and get up.
LikeLike
It is hard. Thank you, Chel, for the comment and for visiting. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Penny, thank you for this valuable post. I have a sister and a son who suffer from depression and both take medication which does help. They still have bad periods though.
LikeLike
Thank you, Robbie. I do too. It’s good that your family has you as a supportive influence. It makes a difference just knowing that others understand. ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🌹💕
LikeLike
Thank you for writing this important post about depression, Penny. When people think of depression, I think they envision situational depression (such as following a death or job loss, etc), which will likely pass with time. They are not thinking of clinical depression as you describe it.
Clinically-diagnosed depression is not something anyone can simply talk themselves out of/snap out of/whatever. You describe this type of depression so well and it’s beyond difficult. I have a dear one who suffers from major depression coupled with another serious brain disorder (my preferred term over “mental illness.”)
Thank you for encouraging people to seek professional help and their loved ones to be there for them. Both are vital. No one has to do this alone. You’re right about the masking, pretending all is fine.
THANK YOU for educating, for advocating, for being that person who cares and who writes with authenticity and empathy!
LikeLike
Thank you, Audrey. I appreciate your support and encouragement. ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
This is such an important topic..thank you Penny
LikeLike
Thank you for reading and for your comment. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person