It Happens To The Very Best Of Us

Depression, Silent Enemy, Silent Killer

You know, there may be no outward signs today. Some people have good jobs, nice homes, great families and friends. They should be okay by all rights and appearances.

But in the silence of the middle of the night, in awkward moments during the daytime, during fleeting moments even in a crowd surrounded by people they even know, moments of what we will call depression will sneak in and rob us of any good feelings we may have had.

This depression feels cold and empty...almost painful to take another breath. Indeed, it is at these most vulnerable moments that the pain of living is more than a person may be able to tolerate. What comes next is a split second decision to try to shake off the pain, or consider the unthinkable alternative of ending life so the pain of living ends too.

This scenario is playing out at alarming frequencies today and with people who appear totally "normal", who have no material reason to feel this way.

Why then is this silent enemy out there, where does it come from, how does it arise?

Today with the pandemic ruling our lives and routines, with the unprecedented rise in domestic abuse and related crimes, with the 24/7 news cycle that focuses seemingly only on violence as newsworthy, with political views at the extremes instead of nearer the center; all these wear on us silently and just peel away our stability revealing short tempers and a general shortage of patience and good will as we go about our days.

For an unfortunate few, which I fear is rising, these pressures affect us such that the depression described above is very real, very present, very dangerous.

We owe it to each other to be sensitive to this phenomena and look out for it in our children, our friends and adult family members. We owe it to even strangers who suffer in silence where this depression really causes such pain and mere living can be so terribly unbearable.

Know it exists, perhaps be attuned to recognizing it should a loved one suddenly retreat inwardly or even act out outwardly. If in public you see a blank stare like in the opening photo, stop and ask if there is any help the person needs. Whether family member, loved one, or even stranger, you may be saving a life without even knowing it by just reaching out with a hand or offer of help.

A warm hello or can I help you may be all a person feeling this silent depression needs to come back realizing someone cares, even a stranger.

This is real and more pervasive today than ever before. I can say this having experienced it myself, and I see it almost anywhere I go today.

Be aware, offer a hand, because it happens to the very best of us!

Thank you.