Since the 1990s, I have suffered with clinical depression. And, despite meds, it has taken hold of me in the past few weeks. At one point in my life, I became so depressed I was a walking zombie. Going to work, not able to think. Barely putting one foot in front of another. Sitting on the couch satisfied me. Meds got me out of this bad place.
I was going to substitute an old blog today because I didn’t have the energy to write, but, after listening to John Fetterman’s interview on CBS Sunday Morning regarding his depression, I decided against it.
What a brave man! Those with mental illness have been hidden away and shamed by society. Society views people with mental illness as dangerous, incompetent, to blame for their disorder, and unpredictable. These stereotypes are embodied in laws. Because of this, more than half of those suffering from it do not get treatment.
It’s time to stop the shame. Instead, we need to understand depression is a physical illness, every bit as much as heart disease and diabetes.
Thank you John Fetterman for doing this.
If you need help, there’s a national hotline for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Don’t wait.
BTW, I’m feeling better today after killing myself outside for two days, cleaning storage areas and weed eating, hyping up those endorphins. And I’m taking my meds, seeing a therapist, reading affirmations, and journaling.
What is your journey with depression?
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