I’m reading a post (with swearing in it, gasp!) written about Chris Cornell and his suicide and am reminded of the lengths depression goes to and the people it hits. In the post the author Rich Larson (who I know nothing about) hit the nail on the head when he said:
“[Depression and cynicism] go hand-in-hand, along with their nasty little sister, anxiety. When the three of them get going, they just eat hope as quickly as it can be summoned. That leaves despair and despair is exhausting, not just for those who experience it, but for the people around it as well. So we keep it to ourselves because we don’t want to be a burden. And then it gets to be too much. Doesn’t matter if you’re a student, a mom, an accountant or a rock star. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written about it your entire life as a means of keeping it at bay. It doesn’t matter if the music you made about it brought in fame, respect and millions of dollars. It doesn’t matter if your entire generation has suffered from it. Depression makes you feel totally alone. You hit the breaking point, and then, like Chris Cornell, you die alone in the bathroom.
This was a well-respected member of his community; a beloved musical hero who seemed to have it all together. This could have been any of us. And brothers and sisters, if it’s you, don’t mess around with it. Please find some help.”
Yes, this! Please find some help!
Do you know how to find help? You ask someone you trust to tell you what the one thing is that you need to make sure you do today. And then you do that thing. Even if you have to nearly sleepwalk through it. Even if it means making a phone call that brings you anxiety. Even if it means walking around the block 4 times and that seems pointless. Do that one thing!
Don’t know anyone who can tell you what the next thing is? Ask me. I can’t fix you, heck I can’t even fix myself, but I can probably tell you what the next thing is.
Today, you’re not joining Chris Cornell. You’re doing the next thing. E-mail me at mmisc (at) bitsculptor (dot) com or comment on here if you want me to help you figure out what your one thing is.
Nail. On. Head.
I struggle with depression most days. Today I had a good day, a busy day but doing what I enjoy. Looking after my husband is not easy or enjoyable but watching children is fun and fulfilling. My husband has a lot of physical pain and dementia so this afternoon he got grumpy. I started grilling dinner and picking strawberries because women don’t just do one thing at a time. Got dinner done and set things up to water front yard and he is hollering for me to come and clean his throw up. Yes dear!! An hour or so later I did get part of my workout done. Staying busy seems to help me and helping others.