Depression and Denial

It’s like it’s a scar that must be hidden. Like some dirty secret. An ugly sweater you keep in the back of the closet and only bring it out when that aunt comes to visit. You hide it. You deny it, even to yourself.

There are the days when you tell yourself “I’m ok”, as you look in the mirror. You do what you have to do to to get through the next moment, the next hour, the next day.

But you’re not ok and you know it. Your sleeping too much. You’re avoiding any social interaction, isolating yourself. Things that normally bring you joy, no longer do. There is this dark cloud over everything in your life.

Why do people that are depressed deny it? The answer is complicated. Often, the person going through the depression is embarrassed. They want to appear “normal”. They don’t want people to think there is something wrong with them. There is such a stigma attached to depression and other forms of mental illness that the person hides it from those around them and even from themselves.

Sometimes, they don’t know that they’re depressed. They know something’s not right, but they don’t recognize it. Depression is a sneaky thief. It sneaks in under the radar and robs you of the joy in your life.

What can you do if you see that a loved one is depressed but they deny it? Be there for them. Listen, talk, check-in with them. Take that extra minute, make that phone call, or send that text. Get them out of their isolation. Take them to lunch, pop in for a quick visit.

Since a depressed person will often isolate themselves, it is incredibly important to BE THERE, not just physically, but emotionally. Be supportive, encouraging and most of all, be caring. They won’t want your attention, at least not outwardly. They will push you away and try to discourage you, telling you that they are fine that nothing is wrong.

Encourage that loved one to seek help. If you are sure that they need help, don’t give up. Don’t turn your back on them. BE THERE for them. You might just save a life.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7 is 1-800-273-8255

A terrific website on this can be found HERE.

There is a site specifically to help our veterans. Find that site HERE.

Is talking to someone too much for you? It was for me at times. There is a Crisis Text Line. Text 741741 and you can text with a counselor.

Want to do an online chat? There’s a site for that too. Find it HERE.

You can even TWEET with a crisis counselor at @800273TALK on Twitter.

HERE is a link to many international phone #’s for Suicide Prevention.

This is a British number to help Children in crisis. 08001111

I know this is a repeat. But some things are important to repeat. This subject is one of those. Thank you for joining me on this journey. ❤ Penny