World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day!

I encourage everyone to educate themselves about mental health issues that affect millions of people all over the world.  This year's theme is "Depression: A Global Crisis."

This theme is very dear and close to my heart.  Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide that spans across all ages, races, genders, tax brackets, and it is evident in all of our communities.

Depression can lead one down a very dark road, that is extremely difficult to navigate out of, without proper support and help.  I myself have suffered through bouts of severe depression, and know first hand how debilitating the illness is and how it can negatively affect every aspect of your life, and how it can sometimes lead to suicide or suicide attempts.  I've been there. It's REAL...and not something that the person suffering with can just "snap out of."  While we have all experienced episodes of feeling sad or blue, everyone hasn't experienced clinical depression.

During my latest battle with depression, I lost 30+ pounds in a matter of months.  I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't think, I was irritable and agitated, hopeless, making bad decisions....all I could feel was the overwhelming and intense sadness & emptiness that was constantly accompanied by crying and eventually led to a suicide attempt.  Not a day's worth of tears, but this went on DAILY for more than a month.  I got all of the normal insensitive comments from lots of people...things like: snap out of it...refocus...you took your eye off of God, etc.  These people simply weren't educated on the fact that depression is a REAL issue, and snapping out of it, is not remotely reality.

Even in the world of celebrities.  This year alone, our world has been rocked by the suicide deaths of British film director Tony Scott, former NFL player Junior Seau, and current NFL Player O.J Murdock.  These celebrities lived lives that "normal" people would die to live.  Yet they were themselves dying inside....suffering from depression that the "normal" people simply don't get.

So today, I urge you to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of depression!  If you or a loved one experience 5 or more of these symptoms, reach out for help!  Help is often times, just a phone call away.  For me, help came in the form of an emergency room visit...if you don't have insurance, I urge you to take that route.  They won't turn you away!!!

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

It's difficult to watch someone you love battle depression.  If you do have a loved one that's suffering from, or struggling with depression, I'd like to offer these three little things you can do that may help.

1.  Ask questions:  People with depression often times feel lonely and isolated.  Once they feel you are concerned or are aware of what they are dealing with, sometimes they are more open  or apt to speak about their feelings.

2. Listen:  More than likely, a person that's depressed will tell you things that will probably scare you. (IE: speak of suicide or self harm)  Be supportive, non-judgmental, and really LISTEN to what they are saying.  They more than likely really want to be heard, and aren't necessarily speaking to you for advice.  Validate their feelings and let them know they aren't alone.

3. Encourage them to seek professional help:  The depressed person has to want to help him or herself!!!  Gently encourage them to seek professional help.  You may assist with finding therapists, doctors, etc...but they should be they ones making the actual calls.