More than 350 million people around the world live with depression, according to WHO, the World Health Organization. Depression is a globally leading cause of disability, and a well known contributor to disease, disorder, and more. Though depression is an independent mental illness, it can be experienced in conjunction with other illnesses or as part of a response to life circumstances. For example, depression is part of bipolar disorder and is often co-occurring with post traumatic stress disorder. Depression is also one of the five recognized stages of grief. Most people will experience a mental illness at some point in their life, even for a brief time. Many of them will experience living with depression.
Depression is widely characterized with sadness, darkness, gloominess, and hopelessness. As is the case with any mental illness, depression can portray itself differently in different people. Living with depression doesn’t mean fulfilling the character stereotype of an “Eeyore” from Winnie the Pooh being melancholy and pessimistic in a chronically lethargic mood. Depression is often hidden or subtle, can be angry and aggressive, transform into bright, bubbly, smiling energy.
This June of 2018, the world lost two icons to depression and suicide. Kate Spade, famed fashion designer and Anthony Bourdain, internationally recognized chef, author, and TV host took their lives only days apart. Post-mortem, it was revealed that each were battling depression. Depression is not always a cause of suicide, but it can be. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Living with depression can mean feeling isolated from the rest of the world, as if nobody, not even among the 350 million plus living with depression, could understand. The low vibrational energy of depression can birth unruly spawn to some of our worst inner critics, sharing in bashing our self-esteem. Despite constant encouragements to reach out and a desperate desire to do so, asking others for help can feel like an unmanageably daunting task. If depression becomes psychosomatic, we are tired, fatigued, exhausted, and increasingly uninterested in putting forth the effort required as an active participant of the world. We hear people tell us to cheer up, have faith, and get over it. We hear people tell us how much more they enjoy our presence when we aren’t depressed. We hear people tell us it will get better and we don’t believe them.
Depression can and does get better with treatment. Oftentimes, depression is a manifestation of unresolved trauma. Healing trauma can transform our experiences with depression. The Guest House Ocala offers residential trauma treatment programs for the healing of trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Our programs are customized to fit the needs of each client, providing concierge style care. Call us today for information: 1-855-483-7800