Tag: depression


Aug
2014

It’s not always rainbows and butterflies

categories: depression

You never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore

The news of Robin Williams’ death made me gasp loudly when I read the alert come across my feed. Everyone knows I’m an, um, animated person and I visibly (and audibly) react to a lot of things, especially shocking news. It’s strange to me that I reacted so strongly to the death of someone I didn’t know, but I think it was the story behind the death that struck me.

I’ve seen hundreds of posts, tweets, and stories about depression since yesterday. Isn’t it interesting that everyone and their mothers is sharing information on depression resources and help now? Where were these thousands of shares a week ago? I’m guilty of the same thing – we’re a “what’s hot now” society and jump on the bandwagon. Granted, this bandwagon is for a good reason, but still…the bandwagon will leave the station in a few weeks and we’ll be back to our “normal” until something else happens. It’s the same with almost every issue or disease depending on the day or time – guns, mental and physical diseases, abuse, child obesity, the environment, rape, homelessness, you name it…we’re on it. While it’s a hot topic in social media.

I know you can’t spend every waking minute raising awareness for the issues that you believe in, but please don’t be so fair weathered that you’re only an advocate when it seems like the right time or popular. Speaking from experience, depression – like so many other diseases – is a 24/7, year-round illness that people live with. Share your story. Share your victories. Share your failures. Share yourself and help someone…not just today.


Nov
2012

Never Alone

categories: depression

I often don’t know how to start a blog post or what I am going to write about. Such was the case today. I have a writing prompt – I just wasn’t feeling it today. I’ll definitely use it another day and love the idea, but today isn’t the day. I use this blog to get things off my chest a lot…to wax poetic (or not so poetic) about the world around me. I still haven’t figured out what direction I want to take with my blog and that writing prompt is coming up next week…this should be interesting. Do I have to pick a direction? Can’t it just be all over the place, much like I am? It is a reflection of me, after all. And I am, if nothing else, all over the place. 🙂

I started up the computer unsure of what I was going to write about. I’m currently cleaning the house, going through summer clothes to donate, decluttering the house to sell everything I have at a garage sale, and getting ready for our upcoming trip to Texas…and listening to music. I am always listening to music. I have it on at work, in the car, in my room every morning and when I’m cleaning (such as now), in the living room whenever I’m cooking or reading, and usually have in ear buds when I’m in transit. Just as I was launching my browser to start this post a song came on that I had never heard before: “Never Alone” by Jesse Bonanno (you know I immediately want to call him Jesse Banana because I’m 12 inside). It was a beautiful song, but what struck me more were the lyrics. They are below for your perusal:

Never Alone by Jesse Bonanno

When your hope has been broken
And the fear is unspoken but true
You’re never alone
Like a dream in a child
Or a childish dream in you

I’ll do anything that I can do
To show you my love and comfort you

When you can’t seem to find your way home
And when life gets too hard
To face on your own
I will stand as a light through your darkest unknown
I will walk with you
So you’re never alone

You’re never alone
Like a tear in the ocean
Or a star on a clear winter night
You’re never alone
When the courage you needed
Has been all but defeated in you

I’ll do anything that I can do
To show you my love and comfort you

When you can’t seem to find your way home
And when life gets too hard
To face on your own
I will stand as a light through your darkest unknown
I will walk with you
So you’re never alone
Never alone
Never alone
Never alone

When you can’t seem to find your way home
And when life gets too hard
To face on your own
I will stand as a light through your darkest unknown
I will walk with you
I will walk with you
I will walk with you
So you’re never alone

Some may feel that the song is about God while others may feel it’s about their significant others, family, or friends. And there are others that may interpret it in a completely different way. Think about it and find the way that best speaks to you and that you’re most comfortable with, and if you’re so inclined post it in the Comments below. No matter how you decide to take it, it is the truth – you are NEVER alone. I have suffered from depression before and have felt completely alone. It took a long time and many wonderful friends to convince me that no matter what I was going through, I could call them at any hour of any day. I have always had friends – I still felt very alone at 3 a.m. bawling my eyes out because my marriage failed or because I thought I would never find a partner like him again. I still have my moments, but it’s a lot easier with today’s technology to get online and discreetly let your friends know that you’re going through a rough time and juju would be appreciated. Chances are, someone is online. It never fails – they always come through. And I didn’t have to wake them up at 3 a.m. to talk. I know I can if I need to, but sometimes I just need to put it out there and need love. I used to be too proud to ask for it when I needed it, but not anymore. Don’t ever hesitate to let someone know if you’re having a hard time and need love or understanding. And you are never alone…I’m only a click away. 🙂

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.