Insight, my affliction.
Hello, whomever is listening.
I recently celebrated my 21st birthday. Where I’m from (New Zealand), this is a big deal, almost a rite of passage. We have speeches and drinks - you invite all your friends and family (generally it is a large event).
I will start by saying that it was a great night. It was awesome to see everyone and there was plenty of interesting things and nostalgic moments that were re-visited during the speeches. After everyone had spoken it was my turn to say my piece.
I thanked everybody for coming, they all mean so much to me and I love them all the more for being in my life. But I also made a decision to let them all know how important to me they are, for without them I would not be here today.
Over the last four years I have been battling depression. I have had great moments, but because of my fight I have also had some supreme downs. Everyone that has every been in my life has had an impact on me, some more than others, some negative and some positive - most have not picked up on my battle. I have found strength in those friends that have stayed with me. Some have been scared away by my moods, my disposition as you would put it. I have had girlfriends that have only lasted a few months because they cannot handle it. I do not blame anyone for leaving, I do not blame myself. I soldier on, I will fight the good fight.
I have seen all of the media around depression over the years, some of it has been good, some bad, some of it you just have to laugh. It is always hard to connect with those speaking to you through these mediums, but they all have the same message you can get through. I am one simple example of this. What would I say to someone that is sitting there, readin this post? I would say that you can trust your friends. If there is one way in this world to find out whether your friends are worth your time, it is to trust them. The ones that matter will stand by you.
I can echo the media right now, and whilst I wholly do not want to become lost in all those voices you hear, talking at you, I want to say that this is my story. There is hope, express yourself, love those around you. Life is hard, and you will get through it all, there can’t be any light without some darkness. Keep trying, keep loving. Enjoy the little things, reach out to those around you - there will be a strong shoulder you can count on.
If there is someone who you know that is suffering, go to them, don’t judge or place your opinions upon them - believe me when I say they are carrying a burden that most cannot imagine. Just be there for them and love them. They need all the love they can get.
Depression transcends all boundaries, whether they be ethnic, racial, cultural, political or gender based. Anything that you can imagine that would be immune to it, does not exist. It affects all types. But you can help.
To end this post I will just say, stay strong, and know that there are those that love you, often you will find them in the most unexpected places.
Love,
S.
