Robin Williams: "I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it's like to feel absolutely worthless, and they don't want anybody else to feel like that."
We must pay attention to our mental health! In the quote above, Robin Williams is making a statement that we need to take to heart. Most of us know that Robin Williams, a man who brought joy to so many, killed himself due to his mental health issues.
Some people take their mental health very seriously. They get therapy when necessary, take steps to maintain mental health, and often are not afraid to share their journey to good mental health. What happens when someone does not take care of their mental health? They may become like Robin Williams, a terrific comedian who people want to get to know and deeply troubled.
As a person who enjoyed many of his movies, I did not see what was happening. I laughed at many of his comments and jokes. His timing was impeccable. I loved him in Night at the Museum as Teddy Roosevelt.
Knowing what I know now, I have watched some of his movies. At times, he seems to have a distant look; his smile is forced, and he is going through the motions. He is an excellent actor and could get away with being funny and loved.
The problem is he did not feel loved, did not find himself funny, and he was seriously depressed.
Today, I am exploring issues with depression.
How about you? Are you walking through life in a cloud of darkness? Are you trying to be someone you are not? You do not have to live life like that. GET HELP!
After the loss of my child, I spent an excessive amount of time in depression. I have shared in past blogs about my "dark years." Many people were more concerned about my depression than I was. Someone got me involved in counseling, and I participated but continued to go back to old behaviors.
I finally got my depression under control and learned about my bipolar diagnosis. I still struggle with other areas of my mental health, and at times, I continue to get depressed. I am now taking it much more seriously and working on total health.
Some of us will often struggle with the dark side. I hope always to remember that as I am in darkness, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is not a train.
Working through depression requires a combination of self-care, professional help, and sometimes, medication, depending on the individual's needs and the severity of their depression. It's important to acknowledge that the journey to overcoming depression is unique for everyone and can involve a variety of strategies.
Here are general steps that might help someone navigate through depression:
· Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognizing that you're experiencing depression is a significant first step. It's okay to accept your emotions without judgment.
· Seek Professional Help: A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide a diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or both.
· Connect with Others: Reach out to supportive friends and family or join support groups. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can provide comfort and decrease feelings of isolation.
· Practice Self-care: Engage in activities that nourish your body and mind. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, ensuring sufficient sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
· Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into smaller, achievable steps. Setting and meeting even small goals can boost your confidence and motivation.
· Challenge Negative Thoughts: Depression can skew your perceptions negatively. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a common treatment for depression, can help you identify and challenge these negative thought patterns.
· Limit Alcohol and Avoid Drugs: These substances can worsen depression and interfere with medications or therapy.
· Establish a Routine: Depression can strip away the structure of your life. Setting a gentle daily schedule can help you get back on track.
· Avoid Decision-Making: If possible, postpone making significant decisions until you feel better. Depression can impair judgment and make decisions more challenging.
· Consider Medication: If recommended by a healthcare provider, medication can be an effective tool in managing depression. Finding the most effective medication with the fewest side effects may take time, so patience is critical.
· Stay Focused on Goals: Recovery from depression requires time, and progress can be slow. Staying focused on your goals and recognizing minor improvements over time is essential.
· Be Patient With Yourself: Understand that recovery is a journey with ups and downs. Practice self-compassion and patience with yourself.
Remember, what works is highly personal. An effective strategy or treatment for one person might not work for another. Therefore, working closely with healthcare professionals and loved ones is crucial to finding the right combination of treatments and strategies for you. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or others, it's essential to seek help immediately from a healthcare provider or a crisis service.
It is a NEW day; press on to better things!
Have a great week.
