It's been a while since I last blogged. For those of you who actually read this, I'm sorry it's been so long!
I have cleared this field out about 4 times now. I can't decide what I want to say tonight. But since September is suicide prevention month I felt compelled to write this......
So many times with depression, you feel like you have nothing. When in reality so many things are going for you. Even so, the tears are always fighting to come out. The pain in your eyes never truly fades. Hurt is constant. So how do you win?
FIGHT BACK. When you want cry, laugh instead. When you want to frown, crack a smile. When you want to stay in bed and hide from the world, surround yourself with family and friends. When you become discouraged, reflect on the positives in life. When you want to fall, stand up tall. When you can't walk, start running.
Depression is real. It's dark and scary. You feel alone. And like you have no way out. As someone who has been in this place before, I understand suicide. Most people don't get it. They say it's selfish or its a "permanent solution for a temporary problem". People who attempt or commit suicide don't do it with the thought of I don't care about anyone but myself. Often they care about everything except themselves, which is why they don't value life, or the will to live.
There are no "physical" symptoms and therefore "outsiders" do not understand the disease. You know how at times in television or movies its been depicted that we have an angel on one shoulder guiding us to be rational and do the right thing, and on the opposite the devilish figure encouraging bad behavior? If you don't have depression think of it has only having that devilish figure in your head. No "light". A constant cloud of darkness. People who harm, or try to harm themselves are not "well".
Mental illness is a serious health issue. 5 years ago suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. There are thousands of people who truly are suffering so badly from mental illness that they believe they have no other choice. People who are so scared to ask for help, and let sickness overcome them.
Each and every person has the right to live a happy life. Those suffering depression may never experience it fully. If you have any mental illness concerns reach out to someone, NOW! don't wait. There is someone out there who will help you. If you have a friend who speaks of harming themselves, TELL SOMEONE. You could save their life!
http://www.nami.org/ you can use this site and many others to find information about mental illness ranging from support groups or volunteering efforts.
https://www.afsp.org/ also the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has information that can be helpful.
Mental Illness is real. It exist. Now don't ignore it. We all can fight it.
