The Misunderstood Mark of Mental Wellbeing: My World Mental Health Day Post

Recently, I picked up a book to read called Semicolon: The Past, Present, and Future of a Misunderstood Mark. I honestly thought it was about mental wellbeing. As it turns out, I was wrong; the book was literally about my beloved and beleaguered punctuation mark.

Did I just use a semicolon as a pun? Yes, I did. You are welcome.

But that I considered this book to be about mental health isn’t exactly a far fetching thought and aligns perfectly with the narrative of the marks sometimes controversial history. Project Semicolon is a real organization for suicide prevention. It was not long ago that getting a semicolon tattoo was all the vogue as a reminder to those of us who suffer from depression to take a pause and know that “your story isn’t over.”

I suffer from depression along with an estimated 5 percent of the world (WHO, 31 March 2023). I have had family and friends die by suicide. I’ve sat next to the beds of friends and loved ones who I’m thankful didn’t succeed in their attempts. I’ve seen what depression can do to the body, the kind of hold it can have.

Mental wellness isn’t just about depression, but it’s a huge one that too many times gets ignored. Brushed off as “you’re just feeling down” or “this too shall pass” … and that may be the case for some, but for many that isn’t the reality.

Depression can mean it physically hurts to get out of bed.

Depression is being unable to see past what is right in front of you.

Depression is a darkness that strips all joy from the things and places where you usually find it.

Depression makes it hard to do simple things, like take a shower or brush your teeth.

Depression can last a day, or much longer.

Depression is treatable.

Recently, I had a horrible round with depression—it paralyzed me. I had not felt this bad in over 10 years. Fortunately, I was able to connect with my therapist and get an emergency visit through her with my psychiatrist. Through therapy techniques and medication adjustment, I started to feel better. Joy started to return. The darkness that blinded me lifted.

I’m grateful that I have access to resources. Not everyone does.

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