It’s very important to understand that we can’t address what we don’t talk about. We can’t help remove the stigma attached to things like Depression, until we become comfortable enough to have open, honest and compassionate dialog.

Speaking from experience, Depression can literally impact every aspect of one’s life. There are times when Depression is in the driver’s seat and I feel like a passage in my own life. There are other times when I know that I’m in control and my Depression is being managed.

There is no quick fix and this is way more than just feeling sad.

When I’m depressed, I can’t think clearly. It’s very easy for Depression to motivate or influence my decisions, and in the moment, I would necessarily be aware of it.

I’ve been in therapy for myself specifically, on and off for twenty years. I take medication every single day, in order to help me better manage my Depression. Even with both of those things in place, there are periods of time when Depression is kicking my ass up one side of the street and down the other.

It’s a constant battle, and I’ll most likely be fighting it for the rest of my life.

I hope that by sharing my experience with Depression in such a public way, others will feel safer or more comfortable doing the same.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of and it isn’t my fault. I’m doing everything I can to keep myself moving forward because that’s all I can really do. I can will myself out of this and neither can anyone else.

We need to talk about Depression and make sure that we do so in a way that helps people feel more comfortable coming forward to seek help.

No matter how bad things might seem in the a very Depression influenced moment, things will get better. If you or someone you know is depressed, please get help. Ever feel too ashamed to reach out and seek the help you need to get your feet back underneath you.

Talking to family, friends and especially your Doctor, is a great place to start.