Some of my favorite movies are Jumanji, Aladdin, Good Will Hunting, Jack, Patch Adams, Mrs Doubtfire, Hook …. do you see where I am going with this? Yes, they all star Robin Williams. I have many more movie favorites, but really I want to talk about the tragedy from yesterday. Unless you do not have internet, social media, contact with others then you know that Mr Williams passed away yesterday morning. Although, if you don’t have internet, social media, etc then you wouldn’t be here on my blog. I digress which I tend to do when I get nervous. Why would his death make me nervous? Well, it brings to light a battle. I also fight a similar battle.
My Daily Battle with Depression
This is me and what you can’t see is the battle that I fight Every. Single. Day. I battle depression. This smile is genuine and right now I’m in a really great place. The reason for that is I fight every day to stay there. I’ve read posts and comments on posts on depression today and I wanted to address some of these remarks from someone who has “been there”.
What qualifies me? Well, I’ve battled depression for a long time. I’ve lost three family members to suicide and I have tried to take my own life. **I want to stress I am not suicidal** I have friends and family members that read my blog and you don’t need to worry or be concerned. I can honestly say I don’t have any suicidal thoughts *but* I did have them in the past. My husband, sisters, dad, and some of my closest friends already know this about me and thank goodness they’re supportive and loving. I know this will come as a shock to a lot of people that know me, but I feel like this needs to be brought to light.
One comment I heard a lot was how people couldn’t believe Robin Williams was depressed. Depression is a deep dark sickness that is embarrassing and shameful (it should not be and I’ll come back to that). While I can’t speak for Mr Williams, I can tell you that most people who know me would never believe I get depressed. It’s not something I like talking about. Well, I’m now sharing it with the entire world, but up until now I didn’t want anyone to know.
The other thing that bothered me was hearing that suicide is selfish. Yes, from a logical point of view it is. I agree and I understand. The problem is when you are fighting depression you have bad days. I call these “funks” for no other reason then it sounds better than “I’m spiraling out of control into a deep dark place”. When I say to my husband “I’m in a funk” he knows it’s a cry for help and I need help pulling out of it. During these funks you don’t think logically, that’s part of the sickness of depression.
Above is a picture of Niagra Falls that I took on a dark and over cast day. It’s one of the best pictures I can use to describe a dark day. I feel like the whole world is on one side of the cliff and I’m alone on the other side. I know I need to get to the other side – the side where everyone is normal and happy, but I don’t know how to get there. Sometimes I start a bridge and make progress (having better days than others) and other times I’m hanging on for dear life while rejection, self hate, deep dark sadness, and despair wash over me. It is during those dark times that suicide comes to mind. First, it physically hurts. I mean really, really hurts. There is a sharp and terrible pain inside and it’s hard to breath. I just want relief. I don’t want my family and loved ones worrying about me, in fact they’d probably be better off if I were gone <— That my friends, is one of the biggest lies depression tells you. The whole paragraph sounds crazy, but it’s how I feel when I’m in those funks. I can’t see logic when I’m in those dark places. When you tell someone who has tried to take their life they are selfish you are only causing them to spiral deeper into that dark place. Let me repeat, don’t EVER tell someone that suffers from depression or tries to take their life that they are selfish. It does not matter if you believe they are. They need help. That is not helping. You need to let them know how much you love them and need them. Tell them how much you would miss them if they were gone.
The problem with depression is it’s a sickness that can’t be seen. My mom fought breast cancer for 4 years. The cancer spread into her bones and then into her liver before it killed her. You could see she was sick. She lost her hair. She lost a lot of weight. She looked frail. You can see physical evidence when someone is paralyzed, has Parkinson’s, has a stroke, and has cancer. You can not tell by looking if someone battles depression. I am not saying one battle is harder than the other – they are different. I don’t have the first clue what someone goes through daily when trying to fight cancer or Parkinson’s. I do know what it is to fight depression.
I feel like depression is often looked down upon because it can’t be seen and really those people that have never really fought it, have no idea what it’s like. I know for me I don’t want people to know because I don’t want them to see me differently. I’m still me. So, why did I just pour my heart out to everyone? Well, if there’s just one person that sees this and realizes they’re not alone, that other people feel the same way and they get help it will be worth all embarrassment and humiliation from making this known.
If you EVER feel like it’s no longer worth it or if you’re starting to think about talking your own life please get help. You can call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Another problem is a lot of people think you can just “get over it” or “think happier thoughts”. Depression does not work that way. It’s not a switch you can turn on and off. I am doing a lot better. First, I went to counseling. I also admitted out loud to my husband, family, and friends that depression is a daily battle for me. How can they help and support me if they don’t even know I’m fighting? I also have God. No, this is not a “religious post” and I won’t try to sell you anything, but it gives me hope. When you’re in deep despair hope is a light at the end of that dark tunnel. In fact the counseling was a christian counselor from church and she gave me tools to help fight my daily battles. Each day I do better, but with any battle it’s when you stop fighting (yes it’s tiring and I feel like stopping and resting often) that the darkness creeps back in.
I hurt for Robin Williams’ family and friends. I feel so sorry for their loss. I especially hurt for him, that he hurt so badly that he could not go on living another moment. I feel sad that someone else fighting the battle of depression lost their fight. Here’s the silver lining – through this terrible tragedy I am seeing an overwhelming number of posts, comments, discussions and more on depression. Do you know how many people commit suicide every day? On average, 1 person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes. That should bother you! I know it does me. We need to stop ignoring this sickness called Depression. The time is now.
*I do not mind comments with different opinions on this subject. I feel that discussion is healthy and good. I will NOT tolerate mean comments. I don’t care if you agree with me or not on this subject. I will delete your post if you attack or bully with your words.
If you EVER feel like it’s no longer worth it or if you’re starting to think about talking your own life please get help. You can call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The encouragement to break the silence surrounding mental health and seek support is a vital message that can empower others to do the same.
Awesome content and experienced that other can relate to it and have the courage to overcome it.
Thanks for sharing this again on twitter. It’s a message that needs constant attention.
I appreciate it and thanks for the tweet! I’ve decided a follow up is in order that I’ll link to this one.
Thanks for this post Donna. I also battle depression, and it feels good to know I’m not alone. I’m really saddened by Robin Williams death.
I am too. Love you, Ericka! xo
Donna — thanks for sharing – I to know the stigma and worry about and finally decided a few months back to speak out and share my story. It is very hard for people to understand something they cannot see. Also I am a type A person so I get why people can’t rationalize the act of suicide but having been in that dark pit of despair I understand how sometimes that feels like the only way to help yourself and your family. They are not thinking selfishly and I only feel sorry that someone thinks that is the only way out. I lost my uncle to suicide 2 years ago and still think what signs did we miss. Praying that one day the Stigma will be shaken and everyone will stop looking at Mental Ilness as such a “Taboo” subject and see it the same as a Medical Illness.
Thank you, Gwendolyn. I am so sorry for the loss of your Uncle. I think the time for that stigma to be removed is now. Discussion is the beginning of removing it.
Excellent post, Donna. Only by everyone sharing their stories can we remove the stigma surrounding mental illness. We all just want to know we’re not in this thing called life…alone.
Thank you.
Thank you, Laura!
You are So brave Donna. Not many people know about depression or even accept it. I have 2 family members that deal with it and let me tell you, it’s a very scary thing. I’m glad you were brave enough to share your story to maybe help someone who reads your blog. You are truly loved and we are here for you if you ever need it. 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy!
My beautiful Donna what an open an honest expression of what we go through I also suffer from major depression disorder brought on by work expectations and the loss of my parents to cancer both of them I held them till they went to a peaceful eternal life and i miss and think of them daily. The loss was overwhelming and as those who work in the corporate world ur expected to be back to work in 5 days and perform to the high levels. I realized there was something wrong when the anxiety was so overwhelming I felt locked in the hotel rooms when I traveled and finally in my home office a co worker sad Mag ur not right I was stuck in my desk chair and couldn’t breathe and did not know what to do. Luckily my dr presented me to a great psychiatrist that is helping me. It is a struggle daily. Last year I was in the Hospital because of this disease followed by another 30 days in outpatient therapy. Looking at me I have it all. And it is a secret that we don’t share for all the reasons u stated.
We never know what or how our brain will act or react to situations . For me I need medications and work with a counselor. So from this point on I will stand up and say yes I suffer from depression but I am making it thru today and state pray for me as I pray for u.
Love u Donna as u helped save my Melissa many years ago with ur love and support her Florida girls understood her the sun to see that talking and friendship knowing u have someone who knows ur dark secrets can be the greatest comfort and love. And of course medical intervention can help and the power of prayer.
So I will pray for you and know that u are not alone my beautiful Donna
Oh Maggie! I wish I was there to give you a huge hug! Thank you for sharing!! You and Melissa and your whole family will always be a second family to me. I pray for all of you daily and love you all so much. Miss you! xo
This is a very brave post, I admire you for coming out and expressing your feelings. I just want you to know that you are loved…by the one God who gave us this life…you have a PURPOSE why you are here…I just want to send you warm hugs and a pat on the back….
Thanks, Icar. I really DO know that and I really DO believe that. Thankfully it is because of Him that I have the strength to fight daily. It is getting better but it’s not something that just goes away. He is who I cry out to and the one who comforts me when I fall into those dark “funks”
We need to talk about this more and create awareness. I think we’d all be surprised to realize how many of our friends and family fight this battle. I just had a lightbulb moment while reading your post. For those that do consider suicide (or for at least some) the last thing they are thinking is that they’re being selfish. When you combine the thought of “my family would be better off without me” they’re thinking that ending their life would benefit others. Yes, it’s a HUGE lie that depression uses. When you’re at your lowest, it’s just not a selfish thought. Misguided but not selfish. Keep on fighting, Donna!! <3
Unfortunately depression hides, twists, and abandons logic. It’s part of the illness. Thank you, Dawn!
Thank kyou for posting this.. This means a lot to me on a personal level.
You’re welcome 🙂
Thanks for sharing such wise words Donna. You are right, I would have never guessed it is a battle you fight, you do it wonderfully! Prayers for continued success.
Thank you, Stefanie!
Thanks for sharing your story!!!
Donna,
This took a tremendous amount of strength and courage to pen this revealing post. You have provided insights into depression which allow me to understand and will prove invaluable in life. Thank you for that.
Thank you! That was one of the main points of this post. To help those who have never been there to get a glimpse into what we’re going through. The other is that hopefully by standing up others will too who are too embarrassed and ashamed and will ultimately get help.
Dear friend……I love you! I didn’t have any idea, you’re right. I’ve seen the face of depression, in my own life and in the lives of many of my family members. It’s a topic that shouldn’t be swept under the rug…not if we want those staggering suicide statistics to decrease. I grew up watching Robin Williams ALL my life and I feel like I lost a dear friend, in him. It’s different this time around, vs. other hollywood actors. I think because he made me happy. He brought healing laughter into my life, and the lives of so many. YOU friend, are the same way. You make me happy. I love to see your smile, and HEAR your voice (I still say you need to be speaking in Disney movies!). But – that just goes to show that depression can take hold in anyone, even the happiest of people – well, those who seem happy on the outside. I know people always say, “If you ever need me for anything, just holler!”. Knowing full well, that most people won’t take that offer. I can’t offer much to you physically, but please know that my {internet} door is ALWAYS open to you. If there’s EVER anything that I can do for you, you let me know! I mean that!! Most importantly, I’m always able and willing to pray for you. He is our foundation and our strength when we are weary. He will carry us when we’re not able to walk. His Word tells us that. I’m thankful that you have a family that is so supportive. You are blessed Donna! xoxo
Oh Jenni, your words mean so much to me. Thank you! Lately there have been many more good days then bad days but a lot of that has to do with finally dealing with it rather than hiding and ignoring it. YES, I’m so thankful for the strength I find through The Lord. I appreciate your prayer and encouragement. Thank you! Love you!
You’re welcome, and thank YOU for being so open and honest about your battle! That couldn’t have been easy, you’re very brave! I pray that EVERY day is a great day, and when those “in a funk” days come around that you’re armed with ways to deal with them. It’s not easy to hand things over to God, and let Him deal with them. Sometimes it’s seems that He’s not even there, but that’s never really the case. Life wasn’t meant to be easy. I love you dear, and can’t wait to see you again IN REAL LIFE!!! <3 xoxo
Knowing you through so many interactions, listening to your story and your personal sharing, it is profound and brave and yet an act of gentleness to say what you just said.
I am always nearby and am in awe of a soulful person you are.
Yes, Robin Williams is a Legend and Inspiration to us all. A Reminder to be gentle with people. Any people in our lives.
You are Loved. Thank you for all you do and for who you are.
Thank you, Laura!
Hey D, I love you very much and am very thankful to know I never struggled alone!!
I’m beyond thankful you have always had my back and I will always have yours! I love you so much!
Dear Donna, I feel like every thought and emotion that I felt while reading your post has already been expressed repeatedly above. I am impressed with your courage to step into the light. You helped me to have a bit of understanding of what it feels like through your expressive writing and the photo of the falls. I’m sure that your courage will help others that suffer in silence to feel free to speak up to their loved ones. My prayer for you, is that by posting this, it may help to set you free! I will be praying for that, each and every day Donna – love and hugs sweet Sister ?
Thanks, Debi! I’ve had lots of tears in reading comments, messages, and emails from this post. They are good, healing tears. Love and hugs to you too!
Donna I shared this on my FB after finding you through Beth Ann Chiles and reading your words that say it all. I struggle with anxiety and depression every day too and some days are better than others, in fact now most days are truly a gift. I am one of the people that found that the meds for depression and anxiety made my anxiety worse so I have been doing it my own way. I am very lucky, I have a Husband that has stood by me for 40 years as I have fought my anxiety and depression and I had a wonderful clinical psychologist that saved my life… I don’t know what I would have done without her. Your words say what I could not say. Thank you. And you may well have given me a sense of purpose. I do what I can for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women. Nine years ago I had a cardiac stent placed in the back of my heart and I am sure that stent is all about my anxiety and depression. I feel very strongly now about doing something, doing what I can to help others battling depression. Thank you so much for your words, I know they were hard to write.
Thank you. I’m so thankful for my husband too. You should totally follow that strong feeling and do something! I wish you all the best in your battle!
Pix—what you wrote is so moving to me. I am so glad you found comfort in Donna’s words and I am so glad I shared. It needs to be shared. Hugs.
Beth Ann I briefly touched on this on my blog and hid it under the tag “stuff”. Hard to talk about. People think it is all in your head, you should pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you are looking for attention/sympathy, it goes on and on. So you learn to keep quiet and not talk about it. And really, I don’t want to burden people with my depression/anxiety.. great way to lose a friend. I was so thankful when you shared and I am thankful Donna was brave enough to put it in words that I could never say or type. It does need to be shared and thank you so much for the hugs.. 🙂
I hurt for you and everyone fighting the same battle. Unfortunately it’s 100% true. I have not received any mean or negative comments on this post but I have already lost friends on Facebook. I’m not sure if they’re embarrassed, disgusted, have no idea how to respond to me. I will tell you though that I have received 100 times that in encouragement, notes, emails and more. It was really hard to post but I’m also really glad I did. I even got some healing from doing it 🙂
Donna I think, no I know that you have given me some healing and you have given me a voice.. it might be a teeny voice right now but it is better than no voice. I am 62 and it would be easy for me to say that at my age if I lose friends over this than they were never friends at all but I am not sure I could say that and say it doesn’t hurt. It breaks my heart that you have lost friends on Facebook but you have certainly found new friends like myself who admire you and thank you for speaking for us who just can’t quite put down the words. I am so happy you have found some healing and I love hearing that the positive responses have been numerous. I can’t thank you enough, only let you know how much you have helped me and you would know how important that is!
Thank you!! I have more “good tears” streaming down this morning 🙂
Thank you, Donna! U r a brave soul and i admire that more than words. As i read ur blog, it was as if someone was worrying my story. It’s hard to help others understand how we feel, how we struggle, and that it truly is a battle. That to us, in the moment, suicide is not to b selfish but that we see it as relieving others from our burden. I am with u, as i am also in a good place and have learned to cry out to the right people, how to survive. More ppl need this knowledge and i applaud u for speaking such honest words. Robin Williams will b sorely missed, and i grieve for him and all who were impacted by his amazing life.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you remain in your good place and I wish you all the best! Keep fighting! *hugs*
Thank you for posting this. I am in the same situation. I don’t tell family because they are in another country and I don’t want to worry them. Husband is not all the time reliable.
I have a therapist.
I feel so lonely and forsaken.
I am so sorry you feel this way. You are not alone. I’m glad you have a therapist you can talk to. I wish you all the best.
You are one of the sweetest people I know and are so brave to open up and talk about this! I hope it helps tons of other people going through the same thing to know they are not alone!
Thank you, Callie! It means a lot to me 🙂
Thank you for sharing this, Donna!!! I shared on Facebook, Twitter & Google+. I’ve had several boutswith depression, and if you could see my house, you’d say “You’re depressed.” Medicines that are prescribed sometimes make matters worse, and Drs haven’t figured out how to monitor… God bless you! And I will keep you in my prayers (please keep me in yours)…
~Tess
Thank you, Tess! Keep fighting … You are worth it! I will most definitely say a prayer for you!
Thank you for posting and being so transparent in your struggle with depression. Many people do not think that depression is real or they think that it can be fixed by various means. My husband and I were talking this evening about the issue of depression. While neither of us has personally experienced depression, but we have family members and friends that are or have been depressed. As much as we don’t want to admit it, we have known and are related to several individuals that have committed suicide ranging from 13 years old to the late 50’s. (The latest was a neighbor in her late 50’s.) When someone commits suicide finding the words to say to the family is difficult. Thanks again for sharing your soul to your readers.
Thank you
Thank you, Sandra!
Well said Donna! You’re very brave to share your personal story. Hugs and prayers to you sis.
Thank you! Xo
Wonderful, articulate, honest words. Thanks so much, Donna…I use the word “funk” too. 🙂 Love you, friend.
Thank you, Shannon!! Love you too!
P.S. There are two songs on YouTube that I would like to share with you Donna, they always seem to help me when I am troubled. Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water (Live 1969) & Jennifer Hudson : WILL YOU BE THERE / HOLD ME – Live @ Michael Jackson Memorial [Special]
Thank you!
*HUGGLES* Thank you for sharing. He was one of my favorite actors/comedians. I also looked up to him as he struggled daily with some of the same things I struggle with daily. I am saddened he got to this point and we lost him. I am glad people are talking about depression. Maybe it will have less of a stigma, now, than it did before and maybe more people will realize you don’t just ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’. I try to focus and bombard myself with happay things to feed my mind; it’s when the computer is off or when I’m alone with my thoughts that it becomes hardest to keep that happay there. I am one who does the fake it til you make it; smiles while she cries, etc. But the reality for me and maybe for other’s as well as some days it’s just not there. Nothing and no one can pull me out of the dark place. Sometimes I just have to ride the wave until I come out on the other side. I just have to remind myself or have other’s remind me the other side is there and I can find it again.
I 100% agree! I truly hope others will feel courageous enough to admit they’re battling depression. I hear you on those dark places. You are not alone. I wish you all the best in your battle! I’m sending HUGE hugs right back at you!
Thank you for opening up this discussion and sharing this with the world in hopes it will help someone else. You are very brave to put yourself out there like that. I have a question I’m hoping you can help me with. I believe my husband suffers from depression, but he does not see it. He goes into the “funks” that you describe (he actually does realize he is in a “funk” but that’s as much as he will admit could be wrong), but he does not talk about it. He says he is not like his dad (his dad has depression) and he does not have it, but I worry about him. I would love some advice on anything I can do since he is in denial about it.
I have no professional training. I can tell you that while there are many of us that fight the same battle of depression our battles and daily fights may be different. The only one who knows for sure is your husband and I know I was in denial for a long time. You know your husband and I think it’s wonderful you care enough to want him to get help. It’s hard to get help when you do not know or think you have a problem. Is there someone you could confide in? Someone at church or a health care provider? I’m sure they could give you much better advice. All I can tell you is to continue loving and supporting him. When he’s ready he’ll open up. I wish you all the best!
Thank you Donna! There is no one I can confide in, I will just continue to support him when I can see he is having a low. He was so low a few months ago he actually said for the first time ever that he might have depression, then he decided it was just the “winter blues” and he never mentioned it again. (I personally believe it is more than that, he has these funks like that every few months that he seems really low and it lasts for a few weeks or even longer at a time usually). Hopefully he will someday be ready to open up and face it. Thank you for being so courageous!
Winter blues can definitely bring out more funk. Sunshine is very good for helping with depression, so is vitamin B12.
There is a ton of good info on this site as well: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Thank you for your help, I will check that out! That’s great to know about the Vitamin B12 too, I will try to figure out a way I can get him to take that without mentioning it could help with depression because he won’t take it if I say it that way. 🙂 Thanks again for putting yourself out there to open up this dialogue. I am sure you will help more people than you ever know who aren’t comfortable speaking up and leaving a comment to you about it.
I take Vitamin D because it helps when you don’t get sunlight. I was deficient in that vitamin and not having enough *can* make a difference. I also use a sun lamp I got from Shopko on overcast days, winter time and even just when I’m struggling a lot. It seems to help some as well. If I think of anymore things that have helped me I’ll share them. I hope it was ok to butt in and share!
It absolutely was and I’m glad you did! I have even used energy drinks for a quick boost of vitamin B12. I am not currently on any medications. I do take vitamins and use essential oils so the quick burst from them really helps when I’m falling into a deep funk.
P.S. for my friends and family reading this – I do drink energy drinks for energy too. I don’t want you all worried every time you see me drinking one 🙂
The “winter blues” are actually are form a depression. February is the worst time for many as daylight is at its shortest and many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). Some only need to be on medicine during those months and need support during that time. Also the holidays are really bad for people and those come right at us in a row during the winter. I will be praying for your husband.
Thank you Mippy/Sabrina for weighing in with your thoughts. I will keep that in mind as well. I appreciate any thoughts on this because he doesn’t believe there is a problem. He does drink energy drinks too, I wonder if they make him feel a little better and that’s why he likes them? Interesting thought Donna. Thank you for your prayers Gwendolyn, I appreciate that very much. I am really praying he will have his eyes opened and realize that it is depression. I think if he can see that, we can be more open about it and discuss ways I can support him when he is feeling himself getting into a funk as he says. And maybe he would be willing to try more of the vitamin options if he came to the realization that they may help him. Time will tell, I am hoping more people come out and tell there story like Donna was brave enough to do. I think if there is more mainstream coverage on depression instead of it having a sort of stigma about it, that a lot of people could be helped that are in denial.
Thank you for being brave enough to share your story! It is only with speaking out that others will be helped. it took courage, but know that it was a good thing.
Thanks, Diane!
Oh Donna, I can feel the pain you have gone through just from reading what you poured out up above. We also have depression in our family, I have to admit the worst time for me was when my Mother and Father passed away just two and a half months apart from each other in the same year. I walked through life as a zombie, had three young children depending on me, ages 12,9,& 6. There were days after I got them off to school that I thought to myself this is the day I am going to end it all. But something always stop’ed me from doing it. I now believe in my heart that it was either my parents, an Angel, or God from making this awful choice in life. It took me months to come out of this, I lost thirty pounds in weight, and didn’t even realize it. And at the same time my husband filed for a divorce against me. That was the least of my worries at that stage in my life. It was already well on it’s way. That was way back in 1995, today I can tell you that my life could not be any better. I have a wonderful new husband of sixteen years now, those young children I spoke of earlier that I almost left behind. Have all grown into wonderful adults now.(my oldest that is 40 now finally made me a Grandmother)And I thank the Lord everyday for that. The sad part of this whole thing is now I am watching out for my daughter, she suffers through the same thing. She is in an abusive relationship and just cannot seem to learn to love herself before anything else. I pray every night for her. I am so thankful that you shared your true feelings on this subject with us all, so that we can all understand what it is really like to go through it. I am going to miss Robin Williams and all he shared with us, I just wish there was someone he could have talked to that would have gotten him through his hurt and pain. Again Thank-you for sharing, and God Bless You. You are a wonderful person. June S.
Oh, June! Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! I too am so thankful that I never succeeded in taking my life. I know my relationship with God has been the thing that has helped me the most. I wish you all the best in your battle and your daughter all the best in hers. I’m sending you a huge hug through the internet!
Thank you for being so brave and speaking up front about your battles. You are in very good company. Many of us battle, have battled or know someone who battles depression. Even with that being said it takes great bravery to speak up about the subject. The conversation was opened up yesterday with a terrible tragedy…lets pray this can help others. Thank you so much for doing your part to create a forum of help.
I completely agree. We need to stop being ashamed and speak up. Thank you!
You are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your story and helping put a face to depression.
Thank you!
I’m so proud of you to post your life to insure others to keep on being strong. And you are right, as your Mother in law for 8 yrs, I never had a clue. I love you even more. Your a blessing to everyone you encounter. You have made my Son whole. You are truly cherished & loved by everyone you meet in your life. Keep being strong. We need you. XO
Thank you, Mom! It means so much to me. I’m in tears. Good tears 🙂 It’s not something I ever wanted others to know. Your son is wonderful and so supportive. I am so thankful for him! Love you so much!!
Thank you for sharing your story, Donna. I’m lucky to have met you earlier this year!
Thank you, Betsy! I’m so glad we got to hang out too! Congrats on your marriage 🙂
Donna, thank you so much for being so open and sharing about your struggle with depression! I can imagine that must not have been easy to do. My brother struggled with depression for a couple of years before he committed suicide and I know how hard it is to lose a loved one from that. When I first heard about Robin Williams’ passing my first thought how sad it is that death was the only option to him for his depression. My second thought was that how many others had also committed suicide the same day he did and we don’t know about them. Depression is something that doesn’t discriminate and anybody can suffer from it. It is a important thing that needs to be brought out to the open and people need to know that there is not something wrong with them because they suffer from depression and that there is hope for them.
Thank you, Ingrid! I agree and it’s so hard to know if someone suffers from it just by looking at them. I really hope this is a turning point in helping others in their battles with depression and mental illness.
Donna,
You are such a beautiful person (inside and out) with a super contagious smile.
God bless you for writing about this. I am confident that your post will help others.
Sending you lots of hugs. You deserve all the happiness! <3 nancy
Thank you, Nancy!
Donna~ Thanks for sharing your story! I am so glad you are a part of our bloggers group here in North Iowa, as you bring so much knowledge to all of us and I am grateful for that. By sharing your story, you are letting others know they are not alone. I also appreciate your honesty and your insight- you helped me understand depression a lot better through this post. Thank you again for sharing your story.
Thank you, Sara! I’m so happy to be part of you all too! I appreciate your kind words and friendship.
Thank you for being so honest and frank with this. It means the world to me and many more.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I, too, suffer from Depression, and decided a long time ago not to be medicated for it. I’ve been suicidal and want to thank you for showing the difference between being selfish, and not being mentally capable of thinking of anything other than ending your own life. I, too, am someone that is always joking and laughing- people don’t know. It’s a horrible place (your picture was perfect). You made me tear up while reading this, because I know that pain, and am so sad that you have to deal with it, too. I’ve heard, “oh yah, I get depressed, too.” It’s not about “being” depressed. There’s a HUGE difference between Depression and being depressed. I’m so glad you addressed that, too.
I don’t think that anyone that doesn’t suffer, can ever honestly understand. But they might be able to respect it a little more, when someone as beautiful as you, puts it out there so eloquently. THANK YOU, Donna.
Thank you, Jeni! It stinks and really unless we start talking about it and stop sweeping it under the rug it will never get better. I’m rooting for you and your fight and I will be there for you if you need it!
Thanks for sharing Donna!! Opening up about yourself so much takes a lot! Thanks too for sharing the information to reach out to get help. So many of us fight this fight, daily, myself included.
Thanks, Debbie! We’ll just have to keep encouraging each other 🙂
You are very brave to expose yourself and I am sure this post will help many people understand what depression actually is. You are amazing for being so strong and battling such a hard sickness while shedding light to others to help them understand what depression is and how hard it can be. Thank you for sharing this post.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Donna, Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am also going through my own battle with PPD. I hope that we can all overcome our depression.
I wish you all the best in your battle. I know it’s a daily struggle. I’m hoping that through this tragedy people realize how important it is to discuss depression and finding help.
Donna, You and I spoke today about how others do not understand what depression is and how we need to educate. Today you are educating others with this brave and honest post. It took a lot of guts to do this and you did it!!! I am proud to be your friend and thrilled that now I can share what is the best post I have read about this subject. Thank you for being courageous enough to post this and for allowing us all to understand a bit more what it is like to have this disease that often hides in plain sight. Hugs.
Thank you so much! Thanks for all your encouragement too! I really appreciate your friendship! Hugs right back to you!!