Depression is Real - But So Is HOPE



Depression is real but so is hope for those walking through it. What do I mean by that? Let me give you a bit of background.  

Why I Keep Writing About Depression

How many years have I been writing about depression? Let’s see… oh my goodness — over 17 years! Over that time, I’ve written articles about journaling, therapy, diagnosis, and medication — all in an effort to teach, inform, and shed light on this complex illness.

My Faith and Mental Health Journey

I’ve shared personal stories here and there. I’ve shared inspirational thoughts to offer hope. As a Christian speaker, I talk openly about depression — my own experience, the stigma, the struggle, and the gravity of it all. I’ve shared my faith in Jesus Christ, explaining how I simply couldn’t survive this illness without Him. 

Depression is real, but so is hope.

And just when I reach a point where I feel like I’ve said all there is to say, something happens. I see a film that depicts mental disorders. I hear someone’s sad story. I meet someone who has lost a loved one to suicide. And I’m reminded all over again: this illness is real. It’s widespread. And it’s heartbreaking. And there's help and hope that a lot of people don't even know about.

Depression is real, but so is hope.

That's Why I Keep Speaking Up 

So, once again, I pick up my banner of hope and decide I have to keep talking — and keep writing about it. What better place than right here, with old friends and new ones, offering a well-seasoned blog based on personal experience but adding some fresh perspective. I won’t repeat all the things I’ve already covered on this blog — though I will link to them now and then, especially for those of you who are just joining me. 

Instead, I’ll tell Stories

Some sad. Some hopeful. Some even victorious. Some just “hanging in there.” But all of them real — and all of them about mental illness, and how vital it is to get help. Because in the end, only one person can decide that you need help. Only one person can take that first step to get it — you. 

Getting Better is a Choice 

So is continuing to live with depression or any other mental disorders without support.

Yes, I know, depression is real, but ... so is hope. 

Next time, I’ll share some of the most common excuses I’ve heard for not getting help. Maybe you would be willing to share your story? You can contact me personally at wendylove1950@gmail.com to discuss it if you'd like? 

But for now, please don’t give up. 
There is hope for depression.



Popular posts from this blog

My Thankfulness Journal

Image
  The word 'thankfulness' is not something that comes to mind when you suffer from depression. The word 'thankfulness' is not something that comes to mind when you suffer from anything! Recently I had a conversation with three friends. All of them had horrendous heartbreaking stories of suffering, mostly at the hands of their own families. That made me extra thankful for my life.  Yes, I have known heartache, but none that matches theirs. I felt overwhelmingly thankful. Yes, I live with depression. But I manage it. I do have a life. A good life. I have never had to be hospitalized. I am able to take part in activities which bring me joy. I have so much to be thankful for. So I decided then and there that this is going to be a YEAR OF THANKFULNESS .  I looked up 'thankfulness' in my favourite book, my bible, and it equates thankfulness with praise. Therefore I can only assume that when I praise God I am automatically being thankful. I have written about 'th...
Read more

H-E-L-P for Depression

Image
  H-E-L-P is our keyword today. HELP for depression. Do you know what I have learned over the years of speaking about depression? Many people who struggle with mental illness resist getting help. Why? I've heard a lot of excuses. Here are just a few. "I don't want anyone to know." "I don't want to take medication, I want to be in control of my life." "If I admit I need help, that makes me weak." "I don't need help, I can do this alone."
Read more

Want to be a Vigilante for Depression?

Image
Want to be a VIGILANTE  for your depression journey? IF NOT YOU, THEN WHO? I know that when we think of a vigilante we think of violence. That may well be the case. But if you look at this definition of vigilante, notice the last part, the most important part: "self-appointed doer of justice". I like the sounds of that!
Read more