Depression
Depression is a downer. It hurts. It presses on thoughts, energy, emotions, and sometimes might not make sense. It is important not to judge yourself if you are experiencing depression. Ask for help. There are 24/7 hotlines where professionals are trained to offer support. Colorado has Walk in Mental Health Centers with immediate access to Mental Health assistance. Crisis phone, text, & on-line messaging support is available 24/7.
Depression is not a final product of one event. It may be rooted in complex losses, actions, shame, guilt, and unresolved hurts. Help available to get through difficult times. Depression thoughts are sneaky and find a way to play upon an individual’s insecurities and past hurts. There are therapeutic tools that can help battle and change negative thoughts plague and cause pain. Some individuals respond well to medication. Ask questions about how medication helps. It is understandable that some people have strong resistance to medication. Maybe it is not for you, but for some, it offers relief while learning new coping tools to heal and feel better.
It is important not to accept the message from Depression. Thoughts that the world is better off without you are false! The reality is that you are tired of suffering alone, unseen, your heart gnawed by an unseen culprit – past hurts and failures - resulting in persistent Depression!
Depression bites and leaves a festering mark. It leaves a trail of lying thoughts that feel like reality.
Seek Help! Let someone help challenge those beliefs. Whatever you have done, thought, or experienced has not ruined you. There is always redemption. That hopelessness is a symptom of depression. You are worthy of help. Make the call to get support.
You feel alone, but you are not alone. It is hard to even believe that there is anyone that truly cares. You’ve made comments to others that you believe are obvious statements of your suffering. It can cause you to feel even more hopeless that those closest to you do not see the pain that radiates through your mind, heart, and body. Depression clouds minds, darkens thoughts and is difficult to overcome.
You don’t have to do it alone. There are so many people you have not even met yet that still want you in this world and have the hope to meet you.
Supporting Loved Ones
If a loved one talks about suicide, do not shy away from being direct. Be direct and ask “Are you thinking or planning to kill yourself?” Research has shown that asking that question can save lives. Sometimes a loved one may need you to help make a call for support with them. It might not seem logical that someone you’ve always seen as strong cannot pick up the phone and call. The pain and weight of depression is not logical.
When a loved one asks for help or hints that they overwhelmed—
Listen! Sit in silence with them, if needed.
Do not tell them why they “should not be sad.”
Validate them in this moment, hold their hand, offer a hug, and just be with them.
Help them make the first call for support. Depression is not ruled by logic. Depression can weaken even the strongest.