It is ok to share your depression story

Writing a column exposing your internal struggles has mixed responses from readers. Last week I wrote about having Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). A type of depression. 

Some people reached out to say thank you for sharing as they suffer from depression too. Others expressed they thought it was “crazy” to expose such vulnerability. 

I may be crazy. At the same time, if it means one person was helped, then so be it. 

Often when we think about depression the visual of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh comes to mind. Head down, mopey, sad eyes, etc. Yet some of those suffering from depression don’t project any of those attributes. 

According to Mayo Clinic, “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.

“More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness, and you can’t simply ‘snap out’ of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.” 

When not in the throes of the symptoms, it is easy to say to others and yourself, “this too will pass.”  Sometimes it does. For many it doesn’t. It is also easy to say, “you are not alone.” You aren’t but it doesn’t mean you don’t feel alone. 

My depression started when Grandpa Floyd Ellison died in 2000. That spring I spent many hours next to him as he was slowly passing. When this time of year comes around, I’m sucked back into that time. 

Wendy Black Henderson sunk into a depression when her parents died. She wrote a book called, “I made the call.” While the book delves into what happened to her when she tried to get mental health help, it also discusses depression. It can happen to anyone. 

Bottom line. It is ok to be depressed. It is ok to seek help. It is ok not to seek help. It is ok to share. It is ok to tell your story. 

The offer to talk, hug or cry with you remains open. Anytime.