Depression

One of the hardest things you may have to do is admit you need help.

I know because I had to do just that in the past, or die.

Recently, I attended a Suicide Prevention Coalition for Cornwall SD&G PR meeting. There was a short one-hour presentation given and my eyes were opened yet again! Several of the questions and the interactive parts that were presented felt to me like everything was aimed at me. I became emotional at ‘nothing.’ It was then I recognized, with absolute certainty, that I was in a depression again… or still, as it had been building up since early summer, but I had been unable to face it.

For someone who speaks about the importance of self-care, I had not been following my own advice. It is easy to see things in others, but we too often do not look inwards and cannot “see the forest for the trees.” I started to look at things very differently since that meeting. I need myself, and do not want to lose me ever again.

If you see someone not looking or acting the way they usually do, ask them some questions, and especially now, with the holidays approaching and with all the uncertainty of finances, of not seeing loved ones who are somewhere else, or seeing ones you do not feel comfortable around but ‘forced’ to be near. These are some of the stressors that many may be fine with, or at least resign themselves to, while others really struggle. A father may not be able to see his children that he longs for. A mother may not know if there will be gifts under the tree. Remembering that it is not the gifts that matter, that it is the love and connection that does, but Christmas is especially important for children, the presents and their presence. I am one of the lucky ones; I have someone who looks out for me, but we are all not as fortunate. Especially at this time of year, but everyday really, we need to check in on our friends, our family members and our neighbours.

Depression hits everyone differently. That is why we must take care of those near and dear, and take care of those who may not have someone who might care for them. Acknowledging that they exist, that they matter, by paying attention to them, asking them if you can help or do a little something for them, may be just the thing they need to pull them up and on the road to living again. For myself, I know I matter. I will be starting therapy soon. Yes! I matter! EVERYONE matters!