Why life should look like this.

A dental appointment I had last week made me think. Why can’t life look like this, the “this” being a world where is someone said they were experiencing depression, they would not be looked at like they’re weird. Mood disorders are just not well-accepted.

The “this” is a world where people understand illness, no matter if it’s an illness that garners a lot sympathy or one like mental illness that only makes people look at you like you’re weird.

Here’s I came to my conclusion.

I have IBS and wouldn’t you know it, just as I got to the dentist’s office, I started to have symptoms. Ordinarily, I would have only told the receptionist that I was feeling “ill” and didn’t know if I’d be able to stay.

Instead, I was more accurate and actually used the words “IBS”.

I then proceeded to tell the dentist that I might have to suddenly leave because I had IBS.

The reason this is important is that for some reason I was ashamed of my illness. How ridiculous.

It felt somehow very freeing. The staff, the dentist, the assistant, were all so understanding. One of them said, “That’s a horrible feeling, isn’t it?” I felt so “normal”.

So, I got to thinking.

Why can’t it be that way when the illness is depression. I never told anyone when I was depressed. I would just say “I wasn’t feeling well”.

Wouldn’t it be great if the next time you weren’t feeling well, you could say, “I’m having a depressive episode”.

And wouldn’t it even be greater if someone said to you, “That’s a horrible feeling, isn’t it?”

I’ll just bet if depression were given that kind of acceptance, many sufferers would get better much quicker.

Just wanted to send you a little Saturday encouragement. As I’ve posted before, weekends can be particularly difficult when you’re depressed. Maybe a quick post to let you know I’m thinking of you today will help.

I hope your weekend is wonderful. Do something meaningful. Do something you enjoy. Avoid negative people. Be kind to yourself. You are not crazy or weird. You simply have a mood disorder.

God bless and have a good day.

The post, “Why life should look like this.” appeared first on thegiftofdepression.com

Rebecca

Hi. I'm so glad you're here. My blog focuses on faith and mental health issues such as mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and dysthymia (chronic low moods that don't qualify as depression.) I post DIY and decorating projects when I can. My book, "Depression Has A Big Voice. Make Yours Bigger! (Expanded Edition), is on sale at all online retailers. I have a Psychology degree and post-graduate courses in Clinical Pastoral Education. I am a former hospital chaplain, Bible teacher, and retreat/conference inspirational speaker. Thank you for visiting and may you feel God's presence today.

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