Many of us have been absolutely shocked by the celebrity suicides that have taken place in recent months. This isn’t anything new, in fact, we lost Robin Williams a year or so ago and it was reported that he also battled with depression. Later reports revealed that he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia so that may have led to his depression. People all over the world are still mourning his death.
Perhaps this took us by surprise more than anything else because he was a comedian. We have laughed more times than we can possibly count at his movies, his standup comedy and his television shows. He touched us on a very deep level and his humor is something that will never be forgotten. It just proves that depression is not limited to A small group of people. It can strike anyone.
When we learned that Robin Williams had depression, we found it difficult to believe. He was an inspiration to us and nobody would think twice before thinking that he was successful. That is where the problem lies. Many people have a difficulty separating success and depression. The fact of the matter is, it can happen to both.
Depression is one of those health issues that we typically have a difficult time understanding. It happens to people who have problems but it also happens to people who seem to have it all together. Perhaps you have a friend that seems to always be joking around but he could still be depressed.
There is no social status to depression and it does not limit itself to people with a certain educational background. It is an invisible illness for the most part because you can’t see it with your eyes. Unfortunately, you just might not be aware that some people have it unless they are open about it.
So how can you tell when somebody is battling with depression? A virtual artist who is only 22 years old, Pauline Palita may have something that would be of interest to you. She is young but she is obviously wise beyond her years. She shared this on her Twitter account.
She said that people would often ask her how she was doing and she would just replied, “I’m fine, just tired.” She said the people were quick to accept her response and she isn’t complaining, she is just explaining.
Pauline has fought a number of silent battles and many people with mental issues feel tired. Do you ever wonder why?
Quite simply, people who have a mental issue have brains that are stuck in overdrive. They have a difficulty unwinding and dropping off to sleep when it is time for bed.
Pauline notes that the average person can fall asleep in seven minutes. If you’re battling depression or another mental health issue, however, it may take you up to an hour. Could you imagine how that feels when you are already tired but it just seems like you can’t get your brain to shut off?
Individuals who suffer from mental health issues and depression also typically have disturbed sleep. They tend to toss and turn all night long.
“These are people who wake-up feeling, at best, slightly more rested than they were when they crawled into bed in the first place-like a battery that has been damaged that never seems to recharge properly…”
When a person has depression, they don’t typically feel refreshed when they take a nap or sleep. They may get long hours of sleep and they still wake up feeling tired.
When an individual is suffering from depression, they may also struggle to focus on a task. Their mind continues to pull them in different directions and makes it hard to deal with the task at hand.
“These are people who are in constant war with their own brain. People who are battling their own thoughts and fears…These are people who are in a constant war with other people’s judgment and lack of understanding… These are people who send most of every day dealing with fears that others sometimes find silly and irrational.”
The National Institute of Mental Health states that 16 million people in the United States are suffering from a mental depressive disorder. The World Health Organization further states that there are some 350 million people around the world who have depression.
Depression isn’t a made-up illness, it is a real issue. Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. These health institutions prove that it does exist and we need to learn how to deal with it.
Far too many people have lost loved ones due to depression. Sometimes they may blame themselves because they can’t imagine they couldn’t see it in somebody they love. It is actually because many people with depression don’t share it with others.
“It’s like living on a rope bridge swaying in the wind over a canyon while you’re afraid of heights. And hearing, “I don’t understand what you’re complaining about. The bridge is secure. Suck it up and deal with it. I can do it, so you can too.”
When you have depression, you don’t like to share your feelings and you may second-guess yourself. The last thing you want is to be misunderstood and it can cause anxiety.
“When someone tells you they’re tired, sometimes you need to look beyond their answer. Are they tired? Are they physically tired and need some sleep? Or do they in fact need you?”
Here are some other warning signs that the national Institute of mental health said be associated with depression. It may help you to spot somebody who is suffering silently.
Extreme irritability over minor things
Anxiety and restlessness
Anger management issues
Loss of interest in favorite activities / hobbies
Fixation on the past or on things that have gone wrong
Thought of death or suicide
Insomnia or too much sleep
Debilitating fatigue
Increased or decreased appetite
Weight gain or weight loss
Difficulty in concentration
Unexplained aches and pains.
“Do they need somebody to look them in the eyes and tell them they’re not fine but that you’re there for them? Do they need someone to realize they’re not OK and to offer them a hug? Because I know when I say I’m tired, that’s what I need.” Pauline shared from her personal experience.
“I beg of you, on behalf of all of us fighting our own silent battles, please be patient and empathetic. Just because you don’t experience it doesn’t mean that it’s not a reality for someone else.” Pauline pleaded- stating the compassion people with depression needs.
Take a good look at those whom you love and see if you can help them with those silent battles. Let them know you are concerned about them and that you’re there to support them.
Sometimes a simple hug or kiss is all that our loved ones need. Make sure that you give them in abundance.
[If you have thoughts of suicide, you should call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com for some additional research.
Note: This article is provided for informational purposes and should not be used to treat a condition or provide a diagnosis. If you have any signs or symptoms or know somebody who does have them, talk to a doctor or specialist as soon as possible.