Depression

I just heard of Kate Spades passing. Did you know she suffered from depression? I didn’t.

(For those of you who don’t know, Kate Spade was a designer.)

She was found in her apartment in NY, an apparent suicide.

It just goes to show that mental disorders can affect anyone. It doesn’t matter what your skin color is, what your religion is, what your gender is.

I also read an article this morning about how someone had made a post about how we as a society don’t talk about mental illness like we would any other illness and how we don’t treat mental illness like we treat those who have an “actual disease” and it got me thinking about how absolutely true that is. From what I’ve seen these days people around my age (early twenties) acknowledge it more so than some of the older generations. We’ve definitely taken a step forwards in some regards because mental illness is showing up more in movies and TV shows like 13 Reasons Why but again, it’s not really talked about. Only when we lose someone influential does it make headlines. Take Robin Williams for instance- no one knew he was suffering from depression. Chester Bennington too, suffered from depression and took his own life as well. Sometimes I think that if they had just reached out to someone maybe they would still be here today. Maybe, if mental illness was looked at and treated the same way as an “actual disease” they would still be here today. I know thinking about this is like beating my head against the wall because it wouldn’t change anything but it does make you think that way at times.

I don’t suffer from depression but it does run in my family. My grandmother had it, my mother has it and my cousin has it. I know what they’ve all gone through because of it. I know how hard they’ve had to try to come out of their heads and see the sunshine again. I know how much it’s impacted their lives and It’s hard to see them go through that. If we weren’t such a close family I might not have known that they were dealing with. I’ve been lucky to have a family that talks about things like mental illness and that doesn’t judge one another for them but I know there are those of you who might not.

I’m not sure if this is a touchy subject for some of you or not but if it is, I just want you to know that you aren’t alone, even if you feel like you are. I know reading my words might not change anything in your life but they come from a place of love and understanding. I want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that we are much better off with you here on this earth. Your life matters. Someone on this earth needs what you have to offer and YES! you do have something to offer this world. YOU.

If you know or suspect that someone is battling depression, reach out to them and tell them you love them, tell them you are here for them and that you always will be. Spend a little more time with them then you normally would. Do something to let them know that they have you and that they are valued and appreciated.

**Don’t make your friends or family members feel bad for needing to sleep the entire day, don’t make them feel guilty for canceling on plans because they’d rather stay curled up on the couch watching brainless TV. If anything, join them! Even the smallest gestures can help.*

With all the Love and Support in the world,

Anxiety Girl - xoxo