There's been a lot of talk in the media lately about depression and it's sometimes tragic consequences. Despite the dialogue surrounding Wade Belak, the young hockey player who took his life recently, and efforts by organisations such as The Canadian Mental Health Association it appears to me that depression and other mental health issues continue to be viewed very differently to other illnesses.
Is it because there are no physical signs of depression - it's not like you have a plaster cast or a runny nose? Or maybe it's because there is just this fear of admitting you are suffering? Does this admission make you somehow make you feel less of a person?
Several years ago I attended some meetings for people who were trying to understand depression in their lives. One thing that sticks with me many years later was a statement made by a young man diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. He said what helped him was the ability to "find his garlic" . He needed a home remedy - something he could put in place when he felt the "black dog" sneaking up him. For this young man it was physical exercise, he would ride his bike everywhere. For me it's art - I need to paint. Painting allows me the space to be at peace - with myself and my circumstances, without painting I quickly become overwhelmed.
Running a small business has put a serious dent in my painting time, add in a bit of family stress, some financial stress and I can feel myself needing some "garlic". The symptoms of depression are, once again, creeping up on me and I know it's time to act. Luckily I have an amazing support system and an opportunity for a week long painting retreat in the mountains.
It's hard for me to admit I have had my struggles, but so many of us have and perhaps in reading my admission one person will feel able to ask for help. Without help, support and a little garlic it is almost (completely?) impossible to function and once hope is lost it's really hard to carry on.
Friends - don't be afraid to ask for help and if someone needs help please do what you can.
Is it because there are no physical signs of depression - it's not like you have a plaster cast or a runny nose? Or maybe it's because there is just this fear of admitting you are suffering? Does this admission make you somehow make you feel less of a person?
Several years ago I attended some meetings for people who were trying to understand depression in their lives. One thing that sticks with me many years later was a statement made by a young man diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. He said what helped him was the ability to "find his garlic" . He needed a home remedy - something he could put in place when he felt the "black dog" sneaking up him. For this young man it was physical exercise, he would ride his bike everywhere. For me it's art - I need to paint. Painting allows me the space to be at peace - with myself and my circumstances, without painting I quickly become overwhelmed.
Running a small business has put a serious dent in my painting time, add in a bit of family stress, some financial stress and I can feel myself needing some "garlic". The symptoms of depression are, once again, creeping up on me and I know it's time to act. Luckily I have an amazing support system and an opportunity for a week long painting retreat in the mountains.
It's hard for me to admit I have had my struggles, but so many of us have and perhaps in reading my admission one person will feel able to ask for help. Without help, support and a little garlic it is almost (completely?) impossible to function and once hope is lost it's really hard to carry on.
Friends - don't be afraid to ask for help and if someone needs help please do what you can.
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