I spent many years not understanding depression, and thought to myself, What does that person possibly have to be depressed about? They have so much to be grateful for... I thought if only they could change their mindset, they could snap out of it-- it just took optimism, a good attitude, involved a *choice*, and was something they could control. Then, I became depressed. And I couldnt snap out of it no matter how positively I thought, or how grateful for my wonderful life I was. And it pissed me off, because I couldnt simply *choose* how to feel. My depression wasnt about anything-- it just was. And, finally, I understood. Yes, we have a certain amount of control and yes, there *are* many positive choices we can make that will help minimize the symptoms associated with mental illness, and there is a plethora of support out there *if* you seek it. But there is still too much stigma, too many of us suffer in silence, and have too much shame around it to get the help they need. One thing that perpetuates that shame is the sentiment that suicide is somehow a selfish act. Again, there is only so much control we have over the chemicals in our brains and bodies (you remember puberty, right?). Hormones and neurotransmitters control so much about our energy, moods, and even our actions. When they are out of balance, sometimes we are at their mercy. People who suffer severe depression and become suicidal need our empathy and support, not further criticism. The following article helps explain this better. And heres what my brilliant friend Juniper posted along with the article: “Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them. Even Muggles feel their presence, though they can’t see them. Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself — soul-less and evil. You’ll be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life.” -- J.K. Rowling This quote is the best description I know of to describe the black abyss depression drops you into. If youve never been there, you just cant know. But you can have empathy and understanding. - Juniper Martin
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:14:14 +0000
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