Although I did not intend to jump into such a serious topic so quickly, I was asked to write about depression, especially in light of what we are experiencing in the world today. It is a condition/ state of mind of so many who struggle with the challenges and various circumstances of daily life. And, with the current state of our country and the pandemic that is terrorizing the globe, it can be easy for any of us to slip into despair with little hope of tomorrow.
Now, please know that I am not an expert, clinician or physician, nor do I pretend to know all that there is about this condition. However, I can share what little I do know and have experienced, to offer solace and hope to those who are looking for it. But, I must put forth this disclaimer, that if you or someone you know is suffering from a severe depressive condition or if you are having suicidal thoughts, please seek the attention of a physician or medical professional as soon as possible (see resources below).
Although many of us use this common word in our everyday language, exactly what is ‘depression’? It is a word that is very taboo these days. It is either spoken with the severity of a serious illness for which medical treatment is needed, or it is trivialized, oversimplified and dismissed as just ‘a bad mood’ or ‘sad behavior’. In either case, some form of intervention is most often needed. So, what does the word actually mean? It is “a mental health disorder characterized by a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.” As scary as that sounds, I have encountered a number of people who face this disorder daily for various reasons… some of which may only make sense to them, are just too difficult to explain, or are completely unknown. But whatever the reason, it is important to recognize depressed feelings and seek help and support from others right away.
For those of us who may just need to talk things out or need help in avoiding feeling worse about situations in life, I am here to tell you that there is hope! As bad as things may seem, especially in these times, there is still reason to smile, to laugh, and to be grateful… if we look hard enough. Throughout history, there have been various events and periods in time when people doubted themselves as well as their future, but overall… time and life still prevailed.
In these troubled times, although you may not feel comfortable making an in-person appointment to visit a therapist or health professional, it may be the best time to seek help remotely. Many specialists are still practicing and scheduling ‘virtual’ consultations or ‘telehealth’ office visits. What this means is that there are doctors and therapists who will conduct consultations and sessions via phone, video conference or other online resources. There may be no better time than the present to look into this ‘remote’ option. For most of us, our short term future consists of more time at home on the couch, with more downtime than we ever thought possible. For more information and helpful resources, here are a few sites that offer beneficial support options: the National Helpline and Psych.com, as well as online counseling: BetterHelp.
Although we may not know what the future brings, we must hold on to the hope of a better time. There is a quote that says, ‘the best day of your life may not be tomorrow, but it could be the day after that.’
If you’re not yet ready to tap into the resources discussed above, then share your thoughts here. Sometimes the best therapy is just being able to freely express your thoughts and concerns, and seek support as a group. There is strength in numbers! So, let’s share, discuss and support each other during this difficult time. Remember… We are all in this together!
