“I am depressed”
The question is, is it a chemical imbalance or is it circumstantial?
An emotional roller coaster of depression and several anxiety attacks I experienced this past couple of weeks lead me to do some researching and reading up on the difference between clinical diagnosis of depression and anxiety, and circumstantial depression and anxiety. When looking at circumstances, how do challenges such as: loss of a loved one, loss of a job, an abusive relationship, a significant life change etc and stress impact our moods. The American Psychological Association has this great article about Mind/Body Stress.
Sinead O’Connor recently tweeted:
“does any1 know a psychiatrist in dublin or wicklow who could urgently see me today please? i’m really un-well… and in danger.”
Later she shared in a public blog post
“In Ireleand, if you are ‘depressed’, well you must have a chemical problem. It hasn’t occurred to many here yet that in fact many people’s ‘depression’ or ‘bi’polar’ is in fact nothing but EMOTIONAL distress. Which medication doesn’t cure. We are in the 21st century, when it comes to understanding that for many of us, myself included, the problem is not chemical, it’s emotional.”
She further shared in the same blog post:
“but.. at the time i went doctor an said im suicidal. In front of me he rang the local ‘nut house’ as we in Ireland insist on calling them. He says to some doctor “I’ve Sinead O’Connor sitting in my office and she says she’s suicidal, what do you think?” when he put the phone down he told me the doctor said “well from what I read about her in the papers I would say she has bi-polar disorder.” Welcome to Ireland.” He never asked me was anything going on in my life upsetting me that I might need support with.”
Reading this sends alarm bells and chills all over me. There are so many “issues” within these words. Sinead, a public figure, talented musician and being known for being herself clearly shares her frustrations and anger. I only know part of her story, yet as I read her words all I feel is love and hope for her that she pulls through the circumstances in her life that have caused such deep emotional pain.
Just because someone is depressed doesn’t mean they have a diagnosed “mental illness/disorder” – which is a NCD – non communicable disease!
Last night I spoke with a young woman on the phone from Tennessee, her circumstances in this past year are devastating, which resulted in her reaching breaking point and wanting to end it all yesterday. Her dear friend, a twitter friend of mine – called me and asked if I would speak to her. As I listened – which by the way is the BEST gift you can give anyone going through challenges – her desperation, hopelessness and breaking point had a great deal to do with the horrible circumstances she has experienced. Even still, I always encourage people to go visit their doctor.
Sometimes – well actually most of the time, it’s a human trait – is people want to be heard, accepted, loved and supported without judgment.
As I was experiencing my anxiety attacks and depression a couple of weeks ago, even I was quick to self-diagnose it as part of my “clinical depression” when in fact this particular episode was very much circumstantial.
Going back to the young lady I spoke to last night… The word “surrender” kept coming up, and as I shared this with her I could feel a release occurring in her. Surrender to what may have been, surrender to what may be, surrender to the present moment and in her case a devout Christian, I encouraged her to surrender to god.
Be present to what matters – which is right now. There is nothing you can do about how others will respond, there is nothing you can do about what may happen tomorrow, there is also nothing you can do about changing yesterday. What you can do is be present right now – and give yourself the gift of self-acceptance, self-love, and your commitment to the one person who has the power to change – YOU.
There is nothing wrong with feeling sad, angry, frustrated, alone – these are natural emotions that need to be felt. What you can do is react in a healthy way and most importantly be aware – and reach out and ask for help.
I always advocate to see your doctor first when feelings of depression and anxiety are present. However, it is also YOUR responsibility and yours alone, to be completely open and honest with your doctor – advocate for your health. And if something doesn’t feel right – get a second opinion.
I have been following the work of Bethany Butzer Ph.D who has a wonderful and inexpensive Stress Management downloads. She has also experienced clinical depression and anxiety.
Last week I was honored to be interviewed on “Journey to Consciousness” blogtalk radio with Shelly Wilson, in this 30 minute ‘conversation’ I spoke freely about my recent anxiety and depression and what I did.
I also pre-recorded a radio interview with Ross “The Hammer” Hemsworth in the UK, which airs on Wednesday 18th January at 10 p.m. GMT, 2 p.m. PST, 5 p.m. EST and then repeats across the following week on the Loudcaster link on his website. Ross did an incredible amount of work and research to interview people about the following topics:
1. People who have attempted suicide
2. Families and friends of those who have lost a loved one to suicide
3. Organisations that are there to help.
May you shine bright & steady, which may mean getting through a difficult time with baby steps and always know:
You are not alone. You are loved.
Hugs & Love
