This: Depression isn’t just the blues. Depression isn’t a gloomy attitude. Depression isn’t pessimism. Depression isn’t a tendency to view life darkly. Depression isn’t gentle. Depression isn’t shallow. Depression isn’t subtle. Depression isn’t off to the side. Depression doesn’t speak in hushed tones. Depression isn’t Debbie Downer. Depression isn’t sleeping late. Depression isn’t keeping the shades drawn. Depression isn’t something we’ve all gone through. And depression doesn’t always respond to medication. Unfortunately, in reality, depression sucks. Depression’s a monster. Depression’s relentless. Depression’s cruel. Depression has no sense of humor. Depression’s a maze minus an exit door. Depression’s a holocaust in subzero temperatures. Depression’s your mind’s biology asserting its massive imperfections in ear-shattering screams. And depression can shriek. Depression doesn’t take a moment’s rest. Depression floods your blood with poison. Depression exposes the thorns in each instant. Depression’s a fingernail-climb up an ice-carved wall. Depression wants only the worst for you. Depression fights back when you dare fight against it. And depression doesn’t care if you’re famous. Depression doesn’t care how much money you make. Depression couldn’t give two shits about your gifts or your talents. For depression, as witness the death of Robin Williams, is a murderer. Sucks, right? And the last thing we need to do is punish the afflicted. Instead, upon learning that someone’s depressed: Acknowledge that depression’s a serious thing. Acknowledge that depression’s a soul-cracking trial. Acknowledge that depression’s a reason to skip work, or meetings, or family luncheons. Acknowledge that depression’s a community emergency. And acknowledge that any form of help for depression is worthwhile, while acknowledging that although depression cannot yet be cured — it can be, regularly is, and often has been overcome. The facts of his case will assert that Robin Williams killed himself. But those who know depression know where best to point the finger. I’m so heartbroken to learn that lovable genius lost the fight. Now it’s up to all the rest of us to go and win it. -E.S.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 01:59:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015