Facing the Darkness: My Battle with Depression (Part 2)

Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist, therapist or licensed counselor. The details of this episode are shared for informational purposes only and are no substitute for professional counseling. If you suffer from depression, suicidal thoughts or any other form of mental illness, please seek professional help immediately.

5 Common Myths About Depression

1. Myth 1: You just need to be positive, eat healthy, exercise, etc. Reality: Depression kills your willpower, so you literally can’t do the things you know you should do to take care of yourself.
2. Myth 2: Depression is “weakness,” so people who are depressed are weak. Reality: Depression can affect anyone under the right circumstances, even people who have lived years or decades without it.
3. Myth 3: Only people who have been through serious trauma are depressed. Reality: Although depression is often triggered by trauma, it can affect anyone of any background, race, religion, etc.
4. Myth 4: People who are depressed/commit suicide are “selfish.” Reality: Depression breaks your perspective so you think you’re helping your loved ones by ending your life. (Ex. broken glasses)
5. Myth 5: Christians just need to pray away depression. Reality: Just like Christians go to the doctor for physical ailments, it’s okay for them to seek professional help for mental illness.

The Do's and Don'ts of Helping Someone with Depression

1. Do educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of depression. 
2. Don’t be fooled by the “strong friend” or “happy friend”
3. Don’t lecture or offer advice about how to “fix" depression if you've never experienced it.
4. Do offer practical resources and support (for ex., research to find a good counselor and give them the number, or offer to take them to the appointment).
5. Do call/text regularly to “check in” and let your loved one know you’re thinking about them. This is especially helpful for people who have words of affirmation as a love language.
6. Do be willing to be inconvenienced for awhile, at least until the initial crisis period is over. Recovery takes time.

Resources if You (or Someone You Know) is Suffering from Depression

1. World Health Organization
2. National Suicide Prevention Hotline
3. Mental Health America
4. The National Network of Depression Centers
5. The National Alliance on Mental Illness
6. Mental Health Grace Alliance
7. If you're a Christian, consider reaching out to your local church for Christian-specific resources. Christian counselors can give advice and insight about the spiritual aspects of depression.

Action Steps:

• If someone you love is struggling with depression, check out the resources listed here and brainstorm some ways you can help them.