It is magnificent to take action now so that depression does not destroy your life. I am a member of the Pushing Lovely Facebook group and website. Our mission is to push women writers to be their best. In light of several high-profile suicides in the media recently, suicides in our circles and the suicide of my daughter’s former art teacher we decided to work together to bring depression out of darkness and into light by sharing our own stories. Each person who has experienced depression has a different story to tell. Whatever your story, take action now and put an end to suffering alone. Bring depression out of the dark.
I don’t have a deep, hit rock bottom depression story. I didn’t even think I was depressed. I thought my husband and daughter were getting on my nerves more than usual. I was cranky, but I thought it was because they were just being more annoying than usual. I wasn’t getting a lot of sleep, but everyone loses sleep sometimes right? I was frustrated, but business was slow, my clients weren’t paying on time, so of course I should have been upset, right? Well, I got sick of my husband and my daughter blaming me, telling me there was something wrong with me, telling me I should go see someone. I decided it was time to take action now, so I got information from my professional organization, got a referral to a psychologist and went to see her.
The office was the stereotypical shrink’s office with a chair for the psychologist and a couch and chair for me. I sat on the couch and we talked. I started off coming to see her once per week for two months, then two months of once every other week. The two months of once per month visits. Then, I was all done. We talked, she asked questions, I answered them. I learned some great coping techniques. Some, I am still using seven years later. It seems that my husband and daughter had been correct. There was something wrong with me, I had been depressed. I didn’t recognize it myself, but I needed to take action now and get some help. I am glad I did. My story, like many, has a happy ending. You cannot imagine the joy I get from telling my family members, “I am not crazy, I have papers to prove it!” When you take action now and get help for your depression, you will be able to share that retort with your family.
If you are in a situation where your family or friends are telling you there is something wrong with you, don’t assume they are all wrong. Don’t think they must be the crazy ones. It may be you! Do what I did, take action now and get some help. You will be glad you did. I am glad I got sick of my family complaining and did something about it. My story has a happy ending and never got to be a rock bottom story because I got help. I couldn’t fix it alone. I needed a professional to help me get better. I made the decision to take action now and got help.
[Tweet “Don’t suffer depression alone, join us and bring depression out of the dark. #DayofLight”]
What Now:
Join Pushing Lovely on February 5, 2014 when we work to bring depression out of the dark with our #DayofLight efforts. Here is what the members of Pushing Lovely are doing, check out this list and join us in these efforts:
- Write a blog post sharing your personal experience of depression and/or share resources to help others. Add the #DayOfLight hashtag in your post title.
- Watch the #DayOfLight Google Hangout on Wednesday, February 5th at 11 AM EST. Tweet and ask questions. (http://bit.ly/1ilifbP)
- Participate in the #DayOfLight twitter chat on Wednesday, February 5th at 9 PM EST (follow @PushingLovely, @NotoriousSpinks, and @BrandiJeter for more information)
- Turn your social media avatars black and white on Wednesday, February 5th so we can visually represent all of those affected by depression.
- Share inspiring tweets, posts, and photos on social media to encourage those who are suffering with depression to let them know that they are not alone. Use the hashtag #DayOfLight.
This effort was suggested by my business partner Brandi Riley of Mama Knows It All. Once the idea was suggested the entire Pushing Lovely community joined the effort with videos, tweets, blog posts, sharing on social media and good wishes. Please, get in where you fit in and join us. Also, be sure to check out our resource page for help with depression, found at http://bit.ly/1k22VUp.
In conclusion, depression does not have to be your whole story. It is magnificent to take action now so that depression does not destroy your life. So, the question for you this magnificent day is, will today be the day you take action now to bring depression out of the dark? #DayofLight.
I have depression too. I didn’t even realize it. I knew I was tired all the time, I couldn’t sleep, I was easily irritated but at the time before I found out I assumed it was because of everything going on in my life. I went to my family doctor to tell him I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t have any energy. He started asking me questions. He said “Do you have any stressers in your life right now” at the time I had huge life changing stressers. I started naming them and he said “Ok stop, I think you’re depressed” He gave me a mild depression and anxiety medication and the difference was noticeable even by family
I’ve suffered from depression for years. I do take meds for it, but sometimes the urge for depression overrides it and it seems to be one of those things that you have to be strong to fight the crying spells. I go through them often but I have always thought that my feelings and reasons were beyond anyone else besides a professional wanting to hear. I don’t keep it bottled up, sometimes it comes out in a rant that could end up writing a whole book about.
Thanks Janeane
You make a good point about the benefit of an objective third party.
I hope your friend will soon find medication that will help her without hurting her.
I hope you find out what is going on with you soon, it will be a relief to know what the problem is so you can start working towards solving it!
You know, that is a common thing I am hearing from people – some medications can lead to depression. It is a hard thing to deal with, but science and technology are getting better all the time so hopefully this can be resolved for people.
I am glad you went to your doctor and got help. You made life better for you and your twin girls. As a mama of twin girls I know we need to be at the top of our game to handle twins!
I am glad to read your comment. At first I thought my story wouldn’t help because I didn’t suffer for long and things never went rock bottom. Through this campaign I learned better and hopefully helped others.
The techniques are great. It is like the expression, “if you give a girl a fish, she eats for a day, but if you teach her to fish, she eats for life.” For some people like you and I, coping techniques can keep depression at bay or keep it from coming back.
Take action now is one of my favorite expressions. It applies to so much of life including when one should start looking for a cure and solution to depression they may be feeling.
Exactly, just because you don’t reach rock bottom doesn’t mean the depression isn’t real.
It is wonderful that you had a support system to help you through. It is also good you shared your story here briefly because it may help others to know a support system of friends and family can help.
You are right, depression is not a weakness and neither is getting help if and when you need it.
You are right, there is something comforting about knowing you are not the only one who has a problem. Company, even if virtual can help some people.
This is such an important issue. I was glad to share my story because maybe some people can get help before they reach rock bottom. I also hope that some people at the rock bottom can see hope a little further down the road and can hold on until they get help and healing.
I am glad that in addition to your rock bottom story, you have a “got better” story.
Just as God blessed you and got you through, let’s pray that God works miracles in the lives of your family members and delivers them also.
You are right, we should never be stigmatized for asking for help to get better and to do better.
You are right, no one should suffer alone. We all have a story to tell and those stories may help other people.
Perhaps if people recognize depression early in the game, they can get help before they reach that rock bottom place.
Thanks for sharing your story. I think it’s important for people to realize that they won’t always be stuck in depression, that people pull through, that life will get better.
Thank you for bringing attention to this. It is so important that we share our stories and talk about it, so no one has to suffer alone.
What a great post! You didn’t even know you were experiencing depression. I am glad things are going better for you now.
Oh you are so on point. I think I get a bit depressed every winter. I have to actively fight it and not dwell on it. Thanks for sharing!
One of the hardest parts of depression can be feeling isolated, feeling like you have no one to talk to about it.
Everyone suffers differently. Most people in my family struggle and it shows differently for everyone
Thank you for sharing! So many people suffer and it is great to shed some light on this subject.
Thank you for sharing this! It brings awareness to an illness that so many suffer in silence and understanding it, explains some borderline irrational behavior some people who suffer and aren’t treated, portray! Loved your post!
Thanks for sharing this. The more awareness the better.
What an amazing post Jeanae! Thank you for being a voice of many.
Such a great cause. So many go through depression and are don’t know what’s going on with them. Taking action is the key to getting treatment.
This is so great! We need to get the information out. It is so true, people don’t always recognize the depression!
This is a great idea. Depression still holds a strong stigma for so many… especially post-partum. Really, how can any woman go through that much of a hormonal roller coaster, followed by lack of sleep, and not experience some sort of ‘depression’? We need to accept it much, much more.
Thank you for sharing this honest post about a difficult topic that needs to be shared more. I will visit again and think about how to support this on Wednesday. TY!
Eliz
This is such a lovely thing to do, to bring light to this topic. I think so many of us have stories of when we’ve struggled with tough times.
More people need to realize sometimes all they need is an objective ear to listen. Friends and family are too involved and have their own opinions to be able to help through the maze.
I know of someone who is in this condition and when I talked to her last year, she told me the same thing where she gets irritated and cranky easily and a lot. She said she hasn’t been taking her meds because it has a negative effect on her and she gets tired and sleepy and just not fun at all. It is scary how a depression can ruin a person’s life. Thank you for sharing your story. It is an important and serious topic that a lot of people are dealing with.
This is such an important topic! My BFF suffers with depression every winter from the lack of sunlight and always indoors.
I’ve never heard of Day of Light. My friend is a counselor, and I will be passing along this information!
Depression can take hold quickly and once it has you in it’s hold it’s hard to get it to let go. My husband battled depression for over a year before he was able to kick it. Now he makes sure that he lives it’s each day to it’s fullest!
Thank you for sharing this, I appreciate it. I a bit confused about depression at the moment. I’m wondering if I am suffering from it or if it’s anxiety. We’ve had a lot of changes this year and I’m feeling very overwhelmed a lot of times. I can’t quite figure it out, hopefully I will soon though.
It can be really hard sometimes to recognize that you have depression because in many cases, like in yours, it looks nothing like what you would expect it to be. We have to be open to listen to our loved ones and take action and ask for help.
What a great explanation, Janeane. Some people think that we don’t have depression issues in the Philippines. Honestly, we do. And some people just don’t take it seriously or do not have enough knowledge about it.
Marms
http://kutsownstyle.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing your story. Depression is often misunderstood and ignored. Hopefully your story and social media events will inspire others to get help.
This reminds me when my migraine was at its worst, my doctor prescribed a medicine for me to take and it took care of my migraine but it got me so depressed!
This is such an important topic to address. I have a loved one in my family that struggles with this and it is great to have support.
Thanks for sharing. Depression is so often misunderstood.
This is such an important post. When I had my twin girls, I was really feeling down which scared me. My doctor helped me get back on track.
I know there are things and times that get people down. Good to be aware.
This is such an important issue that we don’t deal with often enough. I’m happy that you are bringing awareness to it. Thank you for doing this.
Such an important topic! I think it’s the ones who don’t have a rock-bottom type story that often need to read posts like this the most!
Great campaign. I know so many people who have battled bouts of depression, especially a number of women. It’s true that many of us have a story to tell. Treatment is so important.
you are so right about the techniques! i have anxiety disorder with a “side” of depression on and off. i learned techniques 12 years ago i still use regularly.
I think I’ve gone into depression before. Hope everyone who has it can get help.
This is a great topic – thank you for sharing. I definitely feel down during the winter, but I know others who are affected by the winter months more than I am and still others who have sought treatment for depression. It is definitely so important to get help before you hit bottom.
It is very brave of you to discuss what some people keep hidden. I know that you are helping many with your story.
This is such a wonderful idea to help those who suffers in depressions, it is not easy and quick but with someone’s help i’m sure you can fight that depression away.
Thanks for sharing. I think this is valuable info that most don’t know.
Very good topic to discuss during the winter months. Winters in my area (Wisconsin) are long and cold. This year very gloomy – not much sun! Perfect weather for depression to set it.
Thank you for this great post. It is important that we are aware about what depression is and what it can do to you and your life. The best way to deal with this is by facing the issue, knowing that you’re not alone and taking action now.
Looks like you’ve really mapped out a plan. I hope your raising awareness event goes well.
Thanks for sharing your personal story about depression, it makes me more aware about this type of illness.
This is a topic that needs to be addressed more often! Thank you for sharing, I have a family member struggling with this and this was helpful. xo San
Thanks for sharing this. Depression is a very personal topic to me and I think it is often misunderstood.
My spouse went through depression, sometimes its really hard to understand!
I’m so grateful to all of you who are posting about this and spreading awareness. Depression can really make people feel alone, but they’re not!
Thank you for sharing! Depression is hard at any level.
Thank you for the article. I have not experienced myself but close friends and loved ones have. Thanks for sharing.
I know how difficult it can be to rid oneself of depression. I also know how wonderful it is once the sadness is replaced by the light. People can be so cruel. I hope your blog opens the eyes to even one person. If it does, I know you will feel you have accomplished your goal.
This is such a great cause. Hopefully someone is dealing with this can get help.
Many people have had experiences similar to yours. Thanks for sharing.
A lot of people go through this. Thanks for lending your voice to this important cause.
More people need to be aware of how to recognize depression. It’s a disorder with so many different faces.
I think everyone has a different experience with depression. There isn’t always a rock bottom, like you said. It’s important to just recognize any sign of depression so we can address it before it reaches that level!
I had some severe depression in college. I pulled through by talking with family and friends everyday I had mandatory check ins and learned to battle the depression! It’s a hard thing to cope with.
I agree with you that depression needs to be more out in the open. Many people think it’s a weakness and keep it inside – not a good idea. Love this initiative!
I can’t wait to participate! I participated in the Bell Talk one for Canada and it was so awesome to bring up awareness!
Thank you for sharing this information! I don’t personally suffer from depression, but I do have family members that do. It’s a rough thing to deal with, and knowing you aren’t alone definitely brings one hope!
It is really glad that you didn’t hit rock bottom but i’m also glad you are aware that some do hit rock bottom. Thank you for sharing your story & joining forces with others to bring light to the darkness called depression.
Great post, thank you!! I’m not sure I have depression, but I definitely have winter gloomies now and again.
Thanks for sharing and raising awareness! There is hope! 🙂
It’s something that a lot of people go through at some point in their lives. It’s so important to recognize it and get the help you need.
I also suffer from depression and naturally this time of year its always at its worst. I do have “deep hit rock bottom” story and it’s horrible. thank God those days are behind me. Off to follow you on Sverve…
I saw this on another blog this morning. Sounds like a great idea however I cannot do it, it would throw my hole blog week off and mess up my deadlines. I like this concept!
I have suffered from depression, but a God, and exercise carry me through. My whole side of the family are manic depressed people. It is so difficult to have a relationship with these people.
I think everyone has bouts of depression too. It’s important to have the tools to recognize when our everyday gets overwhelming and frustrating…and it’s important to get whatever help you need. There shouldn’t be any negative stigma about getting the help you need.
Thanks for bringing this up. I don’t think I am depressed, but I definitely have my cranky moments.
Great post Janeane! All of our stories are so different and thanks for shedding light on that. It’s better to get help than suffer alone.
Thank you for sharing your voice for this cause, Janeane! Just because folks don’t hit rock bottom doesn’t mean that depression doesn’t exist. I appreciate you sharing your story and helping others to know that they are not alone.