Words on Depression

I was recently asked to speak at the Renza Life Patrol event to raise awareness about depression and suicide.  I wasn’t sure what to say but had some requests to repeat some of the suggestions I had made at the event.  Here is what I had to say.  On a side note, I truly believe suicide and depression is a very real thing and hope that these words have helped someone somewhere.

I don’t believe I ever met Richelle.  She was a couple of years older than me.  I don’t think I ever saw her famous smile until a photo was emailed to me.  I am not sure if she would have liked me, or if she would have been one of the girls I would have hung out with in high school.  I think it’s safe to say that you probably are thinking, “Why is this girl talking right now?”

Here are somethings that I wish someone would have said to me.  Here is a list of some things that were done for me.  And hopefully here is a list that you can use to help someone that you might know is hurting.

1. -I’ve got your back or in other words You are not alone in this. I’m here for you.
2. -if they spend a lot of time in bed, make them get a shower, buy them new sheets and new pillows. (hands down one of the best things a friend did for me)
3. -You are the real deal-I understand you have a real illness and that’s what causes these thoughts and feelings.
4. -color me happy-ask what their favorite color is and buy them something that will make them smile.  It’s a proven fact that color effects mood.
5. -I will bet you a million dollars and even if you may not believe it now the way you’re feeling will change.  We will get you better.
6. -Ok….So I don’t understand but…..that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.  I still want to help.
7. Say-You are important to me.
8. Awaken the senses-flowers, taste, music, (all mood enhancers)
9. So there is also one more thing that I have to tell you was the best gift I got and that was given to me by my husband and that is my iPhone.  In a sense I had something that Richelle did not.  That is the power of Social Media. Did you know on Twitter they have a weekly tweet-up for manic depressive people?  It is kind of funny-atleast I think so—-sometimes they are down, sometimes they are up but when some start crying and then the manic ones start laughing at the ones crying you know that they have built a community of support and comfort that only they can provide for each other.

(With an IPhone a friend is just a click away on Facebook and blogs now have been started as therapy…..not necessarily to share with the public but as an online journal.  In my case,  I have educated myself while I was sick so that I now have made a living using all social media tools such as CapeMayBlogger.com.

Here are a few of things That some people will never take for granted are these cute ones that I had to share.

• I will never take for granted my friends making me laugh till I snort.
• I will never take for granted when she calls just to say Hi.
• I will never take for granted that my sweater was borrowed from her and then never returned.

Karen and I also got quite a few emails and comments.  Just to close up I want read them.

• My friend has been with drawing from everyone and that story has made me realize it’s time for a talk.
• Depression is little understood and does not really get any sympathy. My sister took her own life three years ago this month.
• When Richelle took her own life I realized I needed help too.  Every day is a struggle but I am learning to ask for help when I need it.

The gift of social media is priceless.  Karen and Richelle’s story will be able to be continued and with the help of tools like blogs and Facebook.

Social Media can be used for not only for therapy but also can be used to help keep the discussion going on tough topics like depression.  I can say confidence that I truly believe that an event like this can prevent another beautiful smile from being lost.