All you need is LOVE

My girl, Sherry Lee at Everyday Possibilities inspired me with this post.

Today is national suicide/depression and self-mutilation awareness day. Although it's Friday the 13th, which actually means nothing to me so I joined those in support and I'm wearing the word, LOVE on my arm to raise awareness.

I suffer from depression and have since I was a teen. I have family members that also suffer from it. It's not talked about enough and in fact, depression is one of those topics that most people want to shove under a rug and say, "Awww, you are just feeling blue today." Depression is not one of those "get over it" ailments. It can grip you and change the whole direction you're going in. Even more, it can be debilitating for some where they spend their lives in their homes, not wanting to venture out any further.

If you are feeling like you'd rather disconnect from life and those around you or you're dealing with anxious thoughts or the urge to cut...please, take time today to talk to someone, anyone. There is hope!

Comments

Unknown said…
Yes, I was talking about depression and the Christian faith. There's so much negative response to depression...you're suppose to prayer harder, read your bible more, etc.
Yes, there is help. In my case, I cannot afford my medication so I go without and rely on prayer, exercise, reading, and watching a funny movie.
November 13, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Liz Mays said…
I suffer from it too but there's help, and it's good help. It doesn't have to disable us.

Thanks for posting!
November 13, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Sherry said…
(((muah))) Simone. I love you girlfriend. I think you are brave to be able to speak this...there is such stigma, still, around depression. You're right -- it's NOT the blues or feeling sad. It is so much more than that, so much deeper and it permeates the person's whole life in so many ways. It runs in my family so I'm familiar with it from that aspect and I know how debilitating and crippling it can be.

One love. You are dynamic and beautiful ♥
November 13, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Menopausal New Mom said…
Wonderful post! Yes, there isn't enough awareness out there and I think most people naturally go through ups and downs, the problem is to recognize when it goes to far and to ask for help.
November 13, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Anita said…
Simone, you are caring as always - you care enough to talk about your health issues in order to encourage others.
I can not imagine having frequent bouts of depression. It scared me to read your post and to think about the possiblilites.
I want to ask questions and make suggestions, but I dare not make a mistake and trivialize this illness. Perhaps you'll share more in the future to help us understand.
Thank you for your openess.
November 13, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said…
Thank you for talking for a subject that is usually shoved under the carpet. I have a friend who suffers from depression and it isn't something one can just psych themselves out of.

Have a great weekend full of blessings and happiness!!!
November 13, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Ina in Alaska said…
I have some anxiety issues but exercise has saved my life many times. You are so forthright and I admire that about you! xoxo
November 13, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Deidra said…
Great post! Just today H was saying he's going to preach a sermon on depression and mental illness. We truly do not talk enough about it! Thanks for putting it out there!
November 13, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Veronica Lee said…
Thank you so much for posting this, Simone.
Blogging and knowing the fact that I have an online community of pallies get me thru the days when I'm feeling down.
November 13, 2009 at 8:20 PM
People Who Know Me Would Say: said…
This was a great post, Simone! I had posted about it some months ago, because I, too, battle it. I had no idea there was a national awareness day!
November 14, 2009 at 4:03 AM
Saranne said…
Thank you so much for putting this out there - as a fellow blogger who also suffers from this disease, I'm glad to learn that there is a national awareness day. It's time to let mental illnesses out of the closet and into the light of day! Thank God for the right doctor and the right medication...it's turned my life totally around (after I stopped fighting the fact that it is not an attitude problem!) Big hugs to you for sharing and bringing attention to this important issue!
November 14, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Wonderful World of Weiners said…
Warm hugs coming your way. Plus, I just read the comment you left me about how much you like the pink salamander. I don NOT have one but I'd be happy to get one and send it to you!!

Hallie
November 14, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Flea said…
My husband suffers with depression and has been on meds since I've known him. I thank God for medication and good doctors.
November 14, 2009 at 10:20 PM
AudreyO said…
Wow, this is a message that needs to get out over and over again to the world. It's really "odd" if someone has diabetes we get special help for them, we hold a hand out them, but if someone has depression, we shun them and turn away from them. Please keep shouting out your message :)
November 15, 2009 at 1:46 PM
ethelmaepotter! said…
Depression runs in my family, and we've all had our bouts with it. I am currently trying to help two sisters out of their depression, but it's like pulling teeth. "Let's go get your hair cut. It's on me." "No, I'd rather stay in bed." "Let's go see a movie. Movie and popcorn on me." "No, I'd rather stay in bed." And this was the biggie: "Disneyworld, 7 days, it's on me, everything, including your flights and food." "No, I just don't want to go."
And the terrible thing is, I know how they feel, coz I've been there.
Happy thoughts and pixie dust on the way to you right now. Simone.
November 15, 2009 at 9:06 PM
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