October is Depression Awareness Month

Hi, my name is Noelie, and I have depression. I know that the spotlight in October tends to be on breast cancer awareness, but depression awareness is a cause much nearer and dearer to my heart. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder about two and a half years ago. At that time, I really felt like the darkness was never-ending, and I really had lost all hope. But I'm here to tell you that help is out there. You just have to look for it. Things in my life are about 1,000 times better now through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medications. It hasn't always been easy. In fact, sometimes it flat out sucks. It can be hard finding a doctor who is responsive to your needs. Getting on the right dosage of the right medication can be a major challenge. Making the commitment to learn about yourself and your depression, and doing the work necessary to change the way you think... that one is a doozy. But the light is there. The work is worth it. I promise it is.

Here are some symptoms of depression (shamelessly lifted from Web MD)

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

One of the biggest risks associated with depression is suicide. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal ideologies, do not hesitate to call a suicide hotline or go to the emergency room. Two numbers for suicide hotlines are:

• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
• 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Depression isn't the same thing as feeling sad now and again. People with depression can't "just snap out of it" or "pull themselves up by their bootstraps." It's hard to admit that you suffer from depression. There's still a stigma attached to depression (and all mental illnesses), which is why I felt it was important to make this post. The biggest thing to remember if you have depression, no matter how bad it feels, is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is help. You don't have to feel that way. Take the first step. 

The color for depression awareness is green, so I'll end this post with some of my favorite greens. Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for listening. =)

Barry M Mint Green

Nicole by OPI Peas and Qs

OPI Jade is the New Black

FingerPaints Chrysanthe-mum's the Word

China Glaze Entourage

Love and Beauty Mint

Elianto Racing Green

Nubar Reclaim

FingerPaints Vintage Velvet

Nfu Oh 56

Nicole by OPI Faux Fir

SpaRitual Earth Matters

SpaRitual Moss

SpaRitual Greenhouse

China Glaze Emerald Sparkle