Depression: Let's talk...

Depression, not something that most people want to admit they feel. Depression is not something that most people want to talk about. Why is that? Is it because they are afraid that if they say something about it that they will be treated differently, looked at like they have a plague, or even that they will be put on medication and deemed unfit to do a job, or even worse that they will be deemed unfit to care for their child? 

Depression: it's something we all feel. It is something that EVERYONE deals with at some point in his/her life. It is something that needs to be able to be talked about without fear. It is something that can be dealt with, more often than not, without medication. Depression is real, and those that deal with it need to be able to talk about it.

So, let's talk. Let's have a real, honest conversation. Right here. Right now.

My family has a for years dealt with depression. My family has hid for years that many of its members deal with depression. I deal with depression. Did you catch that? I DEAL with it. Yes, I have depression; no it's not something that I have been diagnosed with, because I DEAL with it. I have days where all I want to do is sit and do nothing but sit. I have days that all I want to do is cry. I have days that my body aches. But I DEAL with it. I don't let others define me because of it. I don't seek medication to drown it out. I don't define MYSELF by or because of it. Now, I realize that there are some people out there that do need medication to help balance hormones and other chemicals in the body that cause them to feel depressed, and that is OKAY.  But when that does happen, they shouldn't feel ashamed or fearful. But with society today, they do. They fear loosing their jobs, friends, kids, etc. 

Today is one of those days for me. I just want to sit, and snuggle with my puppy. And she is more than willing right now, as she is laying next to me on the couch. :) But I have chosen to DEAL with my depression. I have decided to play with my puppy when she brought me her ball; decided that maybe a nap after writing this wouldn't be such a bad idea, etc. I have chosen to not let my depression that I am feeling today not limit what I do. I have decided that instead of keeping it quiet, I'd shout it from the mountain tops, and see who answers back. I don't need medication or a label. I need to talk to someone, I need to play with my dog, I need to eat, I need to....you fill in the blank. I Deal with my depression. You may be reading this and say "That's great for you, but I just can't", or "That's great, but how?" Well, there are a few simple ways I DEAL with my depression:
1) I lean on my Savior, my LORD Jesus Christ. I remember that He is always there for me to hold me up when I fall. To love me when I feel like no one else does, can, or will. I remember that He gave His life to pay a debt that I never could or can; a debt that the only payment was my eternity in Hell, or HIS life forfeit on Calvary. I remember that He gave this freely to me, and Gives it freely to anyone that seeks it. (If you want to know more, please contact me, I will gladly tell you the whole of it.)
2) I find things that make me happy, like my puppy. 
3) I go and do. I don't allow myself to just sit. I do #2, then go and do; example: I love playing with my puppy, so I do. I love sewing, so I do. No I may not get the dishes done, or the laundry put away, but I also don't just let my depression control my day.

So let's talk. Let's have an open, honest conversation, right here, right now. What are you dealing with today? Depression, anxiety, loss, fear?  Let's talk.