Depression

“It’s not good to see people who have been pretending strength all their lives lose it even for a minute.”  ~ Lillian Hellman

Thankfully, I don’t have to deal with depression very often.  I think it’s a misunderstood dis-ease.  I have come to a new understanding and compassion for people who have to deal with depression as an ongoing illness.  Wow.  I mean, I have been depressed from the sadness of loosing my friend and it’s like moving through mud.  I am not my usual motivated, joyful self and it feels like the blahs.

I am grateful that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I know I have to be gentle with myself as I go through this process.  But, what about my friend and many people like her that deal with depression on a daily basis?  How do they find joy?  How can they accomplish any goals?  It makes me realize how incredibly strong and brave they are when they do get to work or an event, depression and all.

Before, I was thinking, ‘just shake it off, get outside, go for a walk.’  It is so much easier said than done.  I don’t know how best to help our friends and loved ones, but I do know they need to be heard and not judged.  They need to be supported with love and compassion.

I do know that exercise and/or St. John’s Wort are just as successful as drugs for mild depression.  Please get a good doctor and counselor if you suffer from this dis-ease and find a good support system.  Eat well, sleep well, exercise and learn to love/forgive yourself.  I remember hearing that depression is anger turned inwards.  I believe healthy communication is helpful and I believe that some people need the help of medication and therapy.

Please be good to yourselves and know you are loved.  Depression hurts physically, mentally and spiritually.

“On a good day I think I’m a relatively sane person with a few frayed wires.  On a bad day I think, ‘Just lock me up!’.” ~ Rosie O’Donnell