Talk About Depression

There is nothing to be ashamed of.  You did nothing to "earn" or "deserve" the struggle you and your loved one are going through.  Mental illness is an illness just like anything else, the only thing that sets it apart is that you cannot physically see the hurt and suffering one is going through.  The illness is invisible and that makes it misunderstood.  If your husband had cancer or your wife had diabetes, you would inform those around you.  Depression is a life-altering and -threatening illness that should be shared with those whom you come into contact most.  I know there is a lot of stigma attached to it (hey, that's what took us so long to say anything to those around us that something was not right with Z this past year), but we need to break down that stigma one person at a time.

Good things come out of talking about depression:

1. When your support system knows what is going on, they can help.
2. You are no longer alone in this struggle.
3. You no longer carry the burden by yourself.  It becomes easier to manage.
4. You suddenly learn of many people you know who also struggle with depression and they offer their support and life experiences that it will get better.
5. You educate those around you about depression.
6. Because it is someone they know and love, people become less afraid of depression.
7. You become a role model for sharing your personal battles.
8. People care more when they ask, "How are you doing... really?"
9. Your support system is clued in on what "bad" looks like and will know better when to intervene if you find yourself in that situation again.
10. Your loved one gets the right care s/he needs.
11. Boss/co-worker(s) have a better understanding for "mood swings" or moments of being anti-social (it is up to you when you feel it is appropriate to tell people at work).
12. You will be surprised with how many people in your life are willing to help.
13. You could get a lot of fun snail mail, which can REALLY brighten those dark moments.
14. People are willing to learn more.
15. People pray for you (if you are ok with that), not for your soul, but for you and your loved one as you go through a period of trial, for more sunshine and hope.

Bad things that come out of talking about depression:

1. On a rare occasion, someone will not understand and be closed-minded and lose respect for you.
2. That person was not a person you needed in your life...