I’m not talking about mind-numbing, earth-shattering, lie-in-bed-all-day depression. More like I-need-the-beach, when-did-I-get-fat, I'm-tired-of-laundry depression. The kind that makes you tired and lazy, but doesn't last long.
Here’s what some people don’t realize: depression has many forms. It doesn’t always hit you hard, like after a tragedy. Sometimes it sneaks in, letting you think everything is fine, when really it’s just okay. And it is okay; it’s just not great.
There’s no one reason for my little depression. Nothing bad has happened. No one is sick; no marriage is suffering; nobody is angry or sad. Yes, I said no one is sad. The second myth of depression is that you must be unbearably sad. Nope. Not even a little. Bored, perhaps. Feeling a little lost in life, maybe. Needing a purpose, most likely. Not sad, just “eh”.
I’ve never been embarrassed to admit I have depression. I think, if we were all honest, the majority of us have some measure of it. Some is controllable by meditation, or prayer, or exercise. Other requires medication. I started taking medication when I began having panic attacks. I soon realized they also helped my moods and my ability to handle life. I’m not ashamed of it. I may take it the rest of my life. And here is where the third myth of depression comes in.
Depression is not a condition; it is a disease. Believe what you want, but I know this to be true. I have a beautiful life. A loving family. So depression is not something I choose. Just like diabetes, high blood pressure, or any number of chronic illnesses, depression is physical. It affects not just your brain, but your joints, your stamina, your digestive system – your whole body. And just as you take medication to control those other diseases, medication helps with depression. If you are prescribed it, TAKE IT! It’s not a short-term solution – it’s a life-time commitment to health.
I’m not trying to make light of depression. There are people who are truly, deeply depressed and need more serious measures. These are the people for whom medication isn’t enough. If you know of anyone (or if it’s you) who even hints at depression so serious that they think about suicide, GET HELP IMMEDIATELY! Don’t assume they are being dramatic or just joking. Take these threats seriously.
I guess the message I want to send is this: depression can hit anyone at any time. It can be anything from a bad case of the blues to wanting to die. It is not a condition, it is a disease. The people who take medication for it are not crazy. It should NOT be embarrassing to admit you suffer from depression. It is treatable, if not curable.
If you, like me, suffer from some level of depression, speak up! We need to sound the bell! Spread the word! Show people that normal, everyday, sane people can suffer from depression. And if someone you love might be suffering, offer them help. You won’t be sorry.
