Depression, The Hidden Menace or Losing Robin Williams

Once again, depression had very publicly reared it's ugly head. At the moment, it's all about the famous person. When the initial shock wears off, where will we be in our journey to understand mental illness? Our quest to take the stigma away? 

This is personal to me. For years, I hid it well. Didn't even know I was hiding it, because how could I have a mental illness? Shake it off, get your butt out of bed, go to work, make people laugh, laugh along with them. Then came the day I couldn't shake it off. There was no laughter, only tears. Fortunately, my daughter caught me mid-meltdown. By the end of the day, from far away, she had a list of places for me to turn to for help. Then a dear friend stopped in, saw the mess I was, made a phone call (to a place on that very list) and BOOM, I was in therapy. It's been 5 1/2 years and I am so grateful for all the help I have received from family and friends. Those dark dark days are few and far between now; I have learned a lot about how to deal and have no plans to stop my therapy or give up my medication.

So, now how do WE help other people climb out of that black hole?

WE acknowledge that Depression is an illness. 
WE don't ask to have it, much like no one asks to have cancer or shingles or arthritis or any other disease. WE stop acting as though it is shameful or fixable. 
WE acknowledge it can happen to any of us. 
WE stop shaming  or blaming sufferers.
WE educate ourselves, learn the signs, look beyond the false front and help that person get the professional help they need.

In my small way, I try to spread the word about this insidious disease. If you are in a pit of dark, hiding it, reach out - to me if you don't have anyone else. But To Someone. Soon.

It can be better. No one wants to lose YOU.