On a night that I was getting ready to go home from my job I got a call from one of my best friends. That was the first time he has ever called me crying and he was having a mental breakdown. Like myself, he has been suffering from depression for a little over a year and that was definitely one of his low points. I am personally glad that he called me though because I don't believe anyone else would have handled it as well as I did just because of the fact that I understood what he was going to better than anyone else that we know. Even so, Depression has impacted much more people other than he and I and I personally feel like not enough people know as much about the disease as they think they would. So let me clear some things up that I, as someone who suffers from it as well as know many who do, feel the need to be shared.
1. It's not just "Being sad all the time."
Depression is much more complex than just being sad, in my experience, it's the opposite. I tend to have many moments of calm and then brief yet frequent moments of sadness or low energy. What I wish people would understand is that it really isn't just being sad all of the time and that it really varies on the degree of depression in which an individual is suffering. They can still lead fairly normal lives but it would just be more difficult to do the little things like getting out of bed or even going to hang out with friends. If you know someone who suffers from depression as well and has the same issues the best thing you can do for them is to be with them when they need you. In the long run, they will appreciate it.
2. It's not something they can "get over."
One thing that really makes me upset is when some people just assume that depression is just something that someone can get over with time, but oh how simple that isn't. Depression is a very VERY serious mental illness which, in my opinion, should be treated has a high priority in healthcare because it has the potential to completely alter someone's lifestyle. Because of this, it is not as easy to get over as just being sad if they can even get over it at all. With something as serious as this it needs time, patience and a lot of support. When I was recovering I was very open to everyone I knew because I knew that being around friends and family was the best first step to a good recovery because I knew that they all cared for me enough for me to get better. So if you meet someone suffering or someone you know is just be supportive and patient with them. As long as you treat them as your friend things will go smoothly.
3. You are not alone
The best thing I've ever heard after being diagnosed was hearing them say "me too!" after talking to them about my condition. The thought that I am not the only one going through what I am is comforting beyond belief. Having friends and family who can relate to this definitely, negates the feeling of loneliness that many may feel including me. But keeping this in mind will always help me pull through any low times I have and hopefully for anyone else as well.
As much as I would love to say more than I have, I am not qualified to do so. But I will say that the three things I have shared mean the most to me when talking about depression. I still believe that it is a very serious illness that isn't taken as seriously and must change. If not by someone else then I will do so because frankly, I am tired of seeing good people sad and helpless as they battle with their minds. So I will end by saying this; help those you can, love everyone close to you, and look out for the signs. And if you're suffering as well, you're not alone.
