Depression, Anxiety, Mental Disorder...

We are still trying to really process, what exactly is depression? How or why does this debilitate people so that they never want to get out of bed or go in a public place. By saying a public place, that could even be going to another family member's home with family around. Still, why is it, those that have this do not want to do ANYTHING?

As one that suffered and still suffers from depression and anxiety, I can tell you if it was not for a good friend of mine years a go dragging out of the house, I am not sure how or where I would be today. She would insist on getting me out of the house to get a Timmy's, drive thru style, then sitting in the car at the waterfront. She even took me in my PJ's and un-showered! That did not matter to her, what mattered was getting her friend out and back into the swing of things. Friends like this never go unappreciated, noticed or forgotten. Yet at the time, we do not tell them what it means that they are in our life. At the time, we are not aware of what it means to us. It is only after we have received the proper help that this is acknowledged. Yet it is a catch 22, as we need to acknowledge that we need AND want the help.

My message to all is simple, always keep in mind that hen suffering this horrible disease, we can not just "get over it". Which I heard MANY times, rather we need your help. Never let the individual go, meaning IF you THINK someone is maybe suffering from any of the above, do not judge, try to force, but rather offer and stand by them. When we see that your not going anywhere and have provided the space we need to come to terms that we need help and we can trust you, we will.

I was fortunate, I have a very close, ok best friend, that I know will never let me fall and I will never let her fall either.....right MJ! Thank you for all that you have done and do. You mean the world to me, more of a close sister.