Admitting depression to others

Have you ever kept a secret from someone because you feared what his or her reaction would be? Have you ever told a lie to ease the fears of those around you?

In May of 2012, I began suffering from paralyzing anxiety attacks. I interviewed and accepted a new job.

As August began, I was excited about getting into the classroom. I anticipated a great school year. The first weeks of school were challenging adapting to a new schedule and routine. The third week of school everything changed. Everything changed like someone flipped a switch.

I wasn’t sure what I was feeling at first. I was worn out and tired. My students were pushing my limits. At first, I just thought it was the stress of a new job, but it became evident to me it was much more.

After suffering a severe anxiety attack on September 11, 2012 everyone around me thought I should consult a

doctor. It took almost three more weeks of hating everything before I finally broke down and saw my family physician on September 28.

Admitting I was depressed was a scary and fearful time for a number of reasons. I felt ashamed to talk about my depression. Why is an illness that is so common not talked about? I felt like I had to hide it from some people because I feared what they would think or their perception of me would change.

Emma Davis, a Psychology Major and Contributor to the Huffington Post, compared the response received from peers/family after admitting depression to the response received after homosexuals “come out of the closet.”

“Being gay has long been considered a deviant behavior or even a mental illness, and revealing one’s sexual orientation remains a painful and deeply alienating process for many around the world…Being depressed does not make you unloveable or unemployable or ‘damaged’."

Davis encourages friends and family not to be judgmental, but to be kind and patient and take this “coming out” for what it is...an admission that I’m depressed and want help.

Depression and mental illness carry a stigma in society. This stigma only increases the effects of depression one might be experiencing. This stigma keeps people from admitting they are depressed and needing help.

My employer at the time of my diagnosis did not understand depression or know how to deal with an employee struggling with depression. In fact, I was told a broken leg or arm could be explained, but having a “chemical imbalance” would be more difficult for management or the board to understand.

Unfortunately, many Americans do not understand or are not aware of depression and other mental illnesses. As a whole, employers are unsure of what to say or how to deal with employees who are struggling through depression or other mental illnesses.

Admitting and seeking help is the first step. Take the step today! You will be grateful you did.

**This is the first in a series of posts focusing on positive words to combat depression.

**Taken from The ABC's of Combatting Depression by. Jeremy & Renae Rinkel [endif]

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