Let's Get Deep about Depression

This is a topic that I wanted to write about in the privacy of my home, as many are written in a public setting. What I am about to type are personal and individual experiences, as I know many people "handle", "cope", "deal with", etc. differently when it comes to any mental illness, but specifically depression.

It was the spring of 2014, I walked into my doctors office for a follow up and to ask some questions about items entirely different to what answers I received. I knew that something was up with me, I felt a heavy cloud hanging over me, I had a hard time enjoying the simplest things in life, I couldn't feel happy for anyone, let alone myself. Life became negative, I was negative, and I knew that I needed to get some kind of help... "maybe" I thought "I need to go back on my anxiety medication".

As I entered the doctors office to see about getting this anxiety medication refilled, my doctor started talking to me, and I started to cry uncontrollably. He said "you have depression". The doctor used the metaphor of a sink. I was only partially filled, going on a depression medication would help fill that sink entirely. So I agreed to go on the medication, and have not regretted that decision.

Every day is different that the others. Sometimes I do fake a smile and go along, some days it is hard to wake up in the morning, other times I am just fine.

In October of 2017 I adopted a cute little kitten named Hermes (Her-mees) and that has been the best addition to help aid in my depression. He is cute, he is friendly, he is snuggly, he is someone I look forward to seeing every day!

So when people wonder why I am posting pictures or talking about my cat, he is more than just a cat to me, he is my best friend and someone who knows how to make me happy.

Depression is different for everyone. One person can experience it "harsher" than someone else; however, you cannot judge someone's level because to them how they are feeling is a huge deal to them.

It is more than just saying "oh cheer up" or "well at least you have X,Y, and Z".

Sometimes indidviduals with depression need a friend, a confidant, someone to listen to them talk to themselves to get them through a time. I am not only dealing with depression, but I have some anxiety and I overthink everything. So when I have someone who does not talk to me for a while, there goes my overthinking brain.

I understand that we all "Deal", "cope" etc. differently. For me, I have to get out of my brain and follow my advice on my last Motivational Monday. Other times I just want to lay around and bindge watch Game of Thrones. I know that one is healthier than the other, but sometimes I just need the alone time, it doesn't mean I am having suicidal thoughts.

Being LDS (www.mormon.org), we have an amazing apostle named Elder Ballard who gave some amazing insight on it. Anytime I read or hear this talk I bawl like a baby. I will link the talk here for those that want to watch it.

I just want to let you know that if you are struggling or having a hard day or need someone to talk to, there is HELP! There are resources. Shoot me an email on my blog, we can talk about it there, tweet at me... I will listen.

Here are some other resources (thank you Pinterest):