I Have Depression
Louise H Reid (ACC, CHRL)
Leadership Coach & Facilitator | Author of Humanizing Leadership™️ | Equipping & empowering leaders to lead with heart, skill & impact | Mindfulness & EI in action 🧘♀️ | Mama x4 + 1 🐾
I've been on antidepressants since I was 16 years old.
I used to binge and purge. Purging came in the form of making myself sick ("just one more time and that's it". I also exercised excessively ("what are you training for" I'd be asked.) and/or excessive exercise.
WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS?
Because it's #WorldMentalHealthDay (Oct 10) and while I'm uncomfortable sharing such personal stuff, I feel it's my responsibility to share my story in hopes of helping others. In hopes of reducing the stigma. In hopes that someone who hears may get help or even reach out to me.
I was wondering today what I could share that would be fitting, easy to digest and useful. I thought I'd share another top 10 list. So here it is...
The Top 10 Dumbass Things People Have Said to Me About Depression
I have to start by saying that I TRULY believe people are trying to help when they say these things. I also believe that it's due to lack of awareness and understanding about what depression is that leads people to say these less than helpful statement. So with that said, if you've ever said these things to someone, don't worry - I'm not judging - just now you know perhaps to say something else instead :)
1. How can you be depressed - you seem so happy?
2. Think positive.
3. Look at how lucky you are in your life - be grateful.
4. You should try.....(fill in the blank). Please don't "should" all over people.
5. Shake it off.
6. Everyone has bad days.
7. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
8. You think you've got it bad?
9. Lighten up!
10. Have you been reading your bible?
OK - so let's say now you know these aren't all that helpful, what can you say instead? Good news. It's simple really.
- be kind
- listen without judgment
- say things like "I'm here for you", "You're not alone", "You matter to me"
And that's it my friends....I hope this message finds all of you well in your life. And if YOU are struggling please know I am here for YOU.
With gratitude (and badassery always),
Louise xo
IT Director of Portfolio Architecture
5yPeople who have never experienced a chemical imbalance like this really have no idea. They somehow relate it to something small like a bad mood. Thanks for sharing.
Professional GM
5yThe old saying, “ shake it off” or you “how could you be depressed when your life is good” that’s the problem there- not acknowledging someone’s need for emotional or mental or both. There are plenty and sadly a lot of successful people, like Kate Spade, Actors and famous musicians whom all had depression and not with us any longer. Acknowledging mental and emotional illness is very important.
Administrative Assistant at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
5yI too feel depressed sometimes when I see all those beautiful places
Happy Man
5yGreat read. Thanks for sharing your story Louise. Thanks for binging light to the topic.