Clearly, huge numbers of us – particularly us adult women – will experience depression at some point in our lives.
And yet, for something that so many of us experience, there’s still a great deal of collective stigma and social shame in admitting that we personally struggle with it, stigma that often makes us feel isolated, disconnected, and like the only ones going through depression, through our own often hellish Dark Night of the Soul.
So if you’ve ever found yourself struggling with it, today’s post is dedicated to reminding you of five important things I think are critical to remember as you journey through depression.
1. It is not a sign of weakness, brokenness, or anything to be ashamed about. Period.
Let me repeat this again:
Depression is not a sign of weakness, brokenness, or anything to be ashamed about. Depression or, in other words, intense and persistent sadness, is, to a certain extent, actually a normal part of life and an entirely appropriate response to the losses, grief, stressors, etc. that we may experience in our lives.
Honestly, I think that most of us don’t get through this human experience without dealing with it at some point.
But of course, when depression and its accompanying feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and even worthlessness persist and interfere psychologically and physiologically with your ability to function in your life, depression may take on the form of a persistent disorder (for more information on classifications of depression check out this article from the National Institute of Mental Health).
And whether your depression is situation-dependent, short term or long term, remember that it is not a sign of weakness. It’s a literal chemical imbalance in your brain. It’s a pain in your soul that’s calling for your attention and attentiveness.
2. For many, depression IS treatable.
According to DBSA, “up to 80% of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms generally within four to six weeks of beginning medication, psychotherapy, attending support groups or a combination of these treatments.” And yet, what’s also true is that nearly 2 out of 3 people suffering from depression do not seek treatment for it!
Please. If you’re dealing with depression, reach out and get support. While it may seem hopeless from inside depression that this feeling state you’re in could ever get better (that’s the depression talking, it wants you to believe this!), the truth and reality is that things can get better if you get the right supports in place.
There is absolutely no shame whatsoever about needing medication, therapy, or other professional supports to help you get through this time. You deserve a chance to get through your depression with help.
