"If you rearrange 'DEPRESSION' ...." from NeuLife Rehab Clients and Staff

This white board is outside three of the therapy rooms at NeuLife. I backtracked from my rather fast walk and just had to take a picture. Obviously, it's motivational and it really made me smile. While depression often follows severe injuries, as well as minor injuries, addressing depression and sadness is very appropriate for us to discuss, particularly at this time in our world.

There are SO many feelings and thoughts being expressed ... outright fear, denial, ignorance (which is a concern), anxiety, and sadness. We're going, driving, working, texting, emailing, social media-ing (new word), and multi-tasking ourselves CRAZY which is our "normal" and we feel in control. Learning a new "normal," not knowing when we'll be past the pandemic, and what will be changed in our world as we have known it means we LOST our control. We could go right into a deep dive depression due to fear of the unknown.

OR... by making some changes, our result will be "I PRESSED ON." I am hopeful during this time we'll learn more about ourselves through self-reflection, being quiet and reflective and praying if you believe. I am hopeful during this time we'll find new ways to interact (remember the phone for conversation?). Finding out our friends' and colleagues backgrounds and histories, and sharing ours with them would be nice. I am hopeful during this time we'll find solutions to some of the issues we're having personally or professionally, and that we'll share openly whatever we know that can help others in our lives. I am hopeful we will learn to spend time with those with whom we've NOT spent time, the people we enjoy and love. "I PRESSED ON."

Not comparing 911 to the pandemic ... there are similar kindness factors that come to mind and this kindness is a blessing during this time. We need one another. Kindness matters and it's free to give to anyone.

If you are feeling anxious or are fearful, call to share with a good friend or family member, your (or any) spiritual leader or, if you feel depressed and overwhelmed, contact the national helpline for SAMHSA: 800-662-HELP (4357). "Your current situation is not your final destination."