Mental Health Month

I matter.

Read that out loud.

Again.

And again.

Keep reading that until the message sticks. (Some of us may be here for awhile.)

Twenty-five million Americans are suffering from or living with depression each year. I am one of them. At the end of last year, I was suffering. The thought of facing the day was painful. I wanted to stay in bed all day and cry. I didn’t want to talk about how I felt, because I was embarrassed. (Crazy, huh? About 25 years of depression, I’ve told people depression is not something to be embarrassed about, and yet I tried to hide it.)

Eventually I had to say those words to myself, “I matter.” I opened up—or you can say I broke down—to my husband and to my therapist. Both of them were supportive, and together we worked on treatment.

Now, the depression is still there. It will always be, hiding in the background, waiting to pull me into its familiar embrace. But, I can say that I’m living with it. I’m okay. I’m not suffering.

To those of you that are suffering, say those words again:  “I matter.” Actually, whether or not you’re suffering, say those words.

Today is the last day of Mental Health Awareness Month. But for so many of us, we are reminded daily about our mental health. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction, schizophrenia, or any other behavioral health condition. It’s a part of everyday life

Because depression is something so personal to me, I participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk. With donations, the AFSP funds research for suicide prevention, creates and distributes education programs, advocates for public policies, and supports survivors of suicide loss.

If you’re interested in receiving more information about the AFSP and suicide prevention, fill out this form:  Information Request Form and I’ll send you some information.

If you’re interested in making a donation for my walk, here’s the link:  AFSP Fundraising