What I Wish I'd Known: Talking About Depression

Monday, June 22, 2015

Talking About Depression

When your loved ones talk about depression, you should take them seriously. Depression is a disease, it's not something that just goes away on its own. It's not an easy road because of the stigma attached to mental illness, but encourage them to get help. People suffering from these diseases need help and the resources to get them there -- without feeling afraid. Just like you can walk into urgent care when you're sick, you should be able to walk into a health institution to get help. No one should be ashamed because it's not a choice -- just like cancer isn't a choice.

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My Story

My husband Bill was a bodybuilder who outwardly seemed like he had the perfect life. He was 6'2", 250 pounds, he had this perfect physique. He watched what he ate. He exercised. So when he talked about taking his life, it was beyond my comprehension. I was very naive. I didn't understand how sick he was, and I honestly didn't take it seriously.
After Bill's death, I became a certified grief recovery specialist from the Grief Recovery Institute. I want my story and my pain to make a difference in someone else's life. I was an everyday person who was completely unaware, and my story is something that happens to others. If we can continue to have a conversation around mental illness then maybe it'll inspire someone else out there to get the help they need.