Depression, a Mental Illness? Naaah!

OK, so I was originally going to start this post off by apologizing for kicking this blog off with “such a somber” subject; however, my words have changed! It’s a very relevant subject; and being that this blog is all about living your best life, it fits! I came across this article, “Depression Is NOT a Mental Illness”,  on HuffPost UK Lifestyle, and I’m glad that I did!

So, let me just say, BRAVO to the author: Jamie Flexman of Huffington Post UK! His analogies are so awesome, and although I understand a lot about depression, I left that article feeling a bit more informed and with even more empathy towards anyone who suffers from depression, anxiety or addiction.

“With food poisoning you can phone in sick to work and your boss will allow you to have a day or two off with no questions asked. Have you ever tried to phone in sick with depression? I bet most of you haven't, mainly because you just KNOW that your boss won't believe you, let alone be ok with it.

So you make up a 'real' illness - you know, one that everyone can relate to."

Understanding depression seems to be taboo for some. “Unless you have experienced it, you can never truly understand”, says Flexman. I happen to agree. “If it's something that you have never experienced then you can try as hard as you want, but you will never truly know what it feels like.”

Depression isn’t simply ‘having a bad day’. Depression isn’t being ‘bummed out because that girl/guy you like has just rejected your advances.” Depression isn’t “a change in mood related to a trivial life event”. It’s the feeling of your entire world being turned upside down and not being able to do anything about it. It’s being misunderstood by everyone around you. It’s wanting to live, but you’re finding it hard to simply exist.

You cannot just 'snap out of it' or 'pull yourself together', says Flexman.

I encourage you read his article. Again, his analogies, though entertaining, will have you walking away a bit more educated on a subject that the media loves to mislabel. In my opinion.

Feel free to come back and leave your comments on the subject! Do you think Depression is a “Mental Illness”? This blog is an open forum. All opinions are welcome!

xoxo The Find Queen!

I’m not a doctor. These are the opinions of my own. Get educated & get help if you’re suffering from Depression or any mental illness! Visit Mental Health America.

Source: Huffingtonpost.com