“It's an odd paradox that a society, which can now speak openly and unabashedly about topics that were once unspeakable, still remains largely silent when it comes to mental illness. ” ― Glenn Close

"I’m here for you."
Sometimes simply being alone or feelings of loneliness can make a person feel sad. Also, if a person is suffering from depression they may feel unworthy of support and therefore don't reach out. The small effort of having a person step up and talk to them can help them feel less alone and make a huge difference.

"What can I do to help?"
While very few of us are trained on how to help a clinically depressed person, reaching out can have its advantages. The person you make the offer to will likely tell you there is nothing you can do. This is normal as a symptom of depression is feeling hopeless. However, the fact that you offered can make a difference. The feeling that someone cares enough to ask can have an effect on their thoughts and in some cases can even save a life.

"There is help available to get through this difficult time."
If while talking to someone, you feel you're out of your depth and think the person could benefit from help, telling them there is help available can sometimes make a difference. Don't be afraid to suggest that you think reaching out for professional help or even a crisis line may be helpful. There are many services online and off that can offer support to those in need. If you think the person is in danger of hurting themselves, the best thing you can do is get them emergency services. Sometimes even a ride to the emergency room can save a life. You can find several links to crisis lines and other information in my "Related Item" linked below

I wasn't always this way. I used to be outgoing and fun. My friends said I was the greatest. They always wanted to hang out at my house; then again, I was the only one with a trampoline.

Then one day it changed. And it wasn't just all at once like things tend to happen. It was slow. Excruciatingly slow. A shell started to grow. Not break. Grow. I was being wrapped up, like a present for under a Christmas tree, but with much sturdier wrapping.

Why are the stars shining so brightly when my soul is so dimly lit? Why is it raining when there are tears coming from my face? Why is there holes in the ground when I have fallen in a trench I will never get out of?

They say, food is love,
and how we eat is how we live.
I would know, I used to be a greedy, little rat,
always taking more than I actually wanted.
I was 6 when she forced a clove of garlic down my throat.
If you love, you’ll eat it.
Eat it if you love me.
Don’t you love me?
Do you love me?
I swallowed it then but my mouth
could never again form the words
I love you
without tasting the sting.

I can’t recall a recent time
When divinity was divine.
And everyone who beared a cross
Didn’t care how much they lost.
We blame our waves. We blame our skies.
We say, “Hey, all the good ones died.”
We say, “You’re different so you’re out.
Hey, isn’t that what life’s about?”

I have the ability to trick people into believing any emotion I want them to think I’m feeling – partially due to the fact that I’ve covered up my issues my entire life. The only people who know are my sister Kay, Pinky and Carey, oh and Steve, my boyfriend. They only know because there’s no way I could hide all my anxiety attacks and depression from them, they are the closest people to me.

The warmth returns a bit at a time, bringing longer days, happier folks as they shed their winter wear. We are thankful for the melting of the ice and snow that takes place but the water tends to turn into a river and the river rises with all the water causing a general mess. Dirt generally clings to all vehicles to such an extent that they look like blocks of sand.