Today is World Health Day- “Let’s Talk Depression.”
What does depression feel like? It hurts. It’s an overwhelming feeling of being utterly alone, isolated- a burden. Triple gravity pulling you down until every little task seems almost insurmountable.
Depression doesn’t differentiate between rich or poor or race or creed. Some might say, “Oh, it’s all in your head, just snap out of it.” There is no “snapping out of it,” without help. Depression is an ailment of the mind, just as angina is an ailment of the heart. Both can cause extreme pain and systemic symptoms and must be treated. Yet, there’s a stigma attached to depression and other mental illnesses. Many are ashamed to admit to being depressed and wouldn’t ask for a day off or tell a friend about it; yet, they wouldn’t think twice about requesting time off for angina or an acute asthma attack.
Be #stigmafree. I challenge you to talk to someone today about depression. At the very least it opens to door for parity.
And if you are depressed and need someone to talk to, my “door” (i.e. messenger or phone) is always open. You can also talk to the wonderful people at the suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
wyspergrove 