Guest Post by Linda Scott
Fact- Approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older experience depression in a given year.
Fact- Depression affects all people regardless of age, geographic location, demographic or social position.
Fact- A recent study sponsored by the World Health Organization and the World Bank found major depression to be the leading cause of disability in the United States.
From Depression Perception Facts and Statistics 2012
With facts like these, why do so many people still feel embarrassed to talk about their experience with depression? Why is depression something so many people feel they must hide from others? There should be no shame in having depression. From the statistics it’s obvious that it happens to most people at one point or another in their lifetime.
I know several people who have dealt with depression all of their life. With out someone to talk with, the isolation and fear of what they are experiencing can lead to some horrible outcomes. I have personally experienced a loved one who committed suicide after dealing with depression most of their life. The scariest part was that few people knew that they were depressed. I was not one of the people who knew. I wish I had known and I wish I could have helped somehow.
As a blogger, I have had the opportunity to meet some incredible people. I just finished a podcast interview with Linda Scott. Her blog is, Don’t Get Me Started with Linda Scott. She writes about being inspires, living your passion and finding your joy.
During my conversation with Linda, after we had finished the interview, we talked about how personal are articles might get when we wrote a post. Linda shared her uncertainty in posting a very personal article she had written about dealing with depression. She is a fantastic writer and I knew that the subject would be relatable for so many, that I encouraged her to post it.
I am happy to say that Linda posted the article and has received an incredible response. What I love about the article is how she details her feelings in a way that helps you to really understand what depression feels like.
I hope you click on the link below and read her phenomenal article. No matter if you have had depression yourself, or know of someone who has struggled with it, I feel this article is valuable for everyone to read.
Please click this link: Don’t Get Me Started with Linda Scott
Wendy McCance
To contact Wendy McCance about a writing or social media assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]
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You are so very welcome Wendy. The more that things like that article that was very well researched as well as done is put out there and people read it the will be less embarrassed to come to terms with their reality and will be able to get the help that they need sooner. It took allot longer for me to get the help that I really needed because of being in denial for so long mainly due to the ignorance associated with depression but mental illness as well.
A very important topic Wendy and well done per usual. Thank You for sharing this article/topic as it is extremely important. As I do battle with depression on a regular basis especially within the past 4 months of this New year new beginning it has been rough. However as I always say you can’t let it win. you can’t let the sadness take over your life. It has bee kicking my behind once to twice a moth these past 4 months. I can’t afford to let it win I have 2 furry children who are depending on me. Then there is me and I say “I don’t think so. You have been very helpful in helping me to understand that. Be well.
Jackie
Thanks for your comment. Linda did a fabulous job on this article. 🙂
Wendy: Thank you for providing this Blog post and the links to other articles pertaining to depression. Subsequent to reading the material, I felt compelled to write an article, “Attain A Happy Life While Dealing with Depression,” which is based upon my own personal experiences in dealing with depressing circumstances in my life. You can review it at http://www.SpiritPublishingLLC.com/Depression.html whenever it is convenient.
As a child growing up in the heart of Detroit, during times (1950’s) that were anything but happy for many of us, including health issues within my immediate family, it wasn’t hard to understand why sadness visited my doorstep so frequently. By the time I was twenty years old, I had already experienced what seemed like and eternity surrounded by gangs in Detroit and spent two tours of duty as a Marine in Vietnam.
Under circumstances that would cause most to consider leaving this planet prior to a natural cause, I somehow choose to carry on and manifest a happy life for myself…in spite of the circumstances surrounding me, or perhaps because of them. I’d love to share my process for dealing with depressing situations with your readers.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Wendy: Thanks for sharing this post. I’ve had depression off and on for most of my life (many years it went undiagnosed). I’m not one of those people that advocates pill popping for every thing that ails you but I do value my depression meds. They’ve helped me function on more of an even keel without the high highs and even lower lows; for that I am grateful.
I am so grateful to Linda over at don’tgetmestartedwithlindascott.com for allowing me to share her article. This subject has had a huge response. It’s so important to get a subject like this out. So many people go through depression and feel like they are alone. Thanks so much for your comment.
Thank you for this article on depression. I faced serious depression in my life until I reached rock bottom. No drive to go beyond the basic necessities of living, I reverted to nihilism. Nothing mattered in life anymore. However, one day I awoke and, from ground-zero, began to notice what life has to offer. Without this dive into the abyss, I don’t believe I would have found the hope and drive necessary for a happy life.
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m so glad you have found some peace and happiness.
The misconceptions people have about this issue are plenty. As a severely abused child and young woman, depression has been a constant companion. However, that does not mean I do not feel joy, am not attentive and curious about life, or do not have a sense of humour. I can only trust that with more openness, this will improve over time.
Thank you so much for sharing something so very personal. Wishing you the very best.
You are welcome! I am always happy to talk about this because I know that others like me, still feel ashamed of depression. It’s because it was hidden away and perceived as weak, a character flaw. I stand up to that because it is not our fault! Thanks for sharing this article. It is much appreciated.
I struggle every single day with depression. Thus, I get it. Thank you for sharing!
Your welcome.