I was scrolling online looking at cute pets and shopping sale items when an article caught my eye. The article was about a young 16 year old (Rainy Brown) who stars in a reality show about Alaska. I watch a lot of the those shows because the scenery is so beautiful and the homesteading life is so far from mine that I marvel at how the people cope in such isolation and frigid temperatures. This article was about the struggles this young lady was facing living with depression.

This young lady reported that she experienced times when she was not able to get out of bed, had aches and pains, and felt like a “husk”. She has tweeted to fans her insight into how she has coped and encourages other to take time off to rest when they feel overwhelmed and stressed. She has learned to recognize the need to rebuild one’s self. Sound advise from someone so young.

I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realise is that you’re not alone Dwayne Johnson.

Many high profile people have shared how their lives have been affected by depression and the daily struggles they face. Most are able to function and get through the day; but some are not able to continue. The celebrities who have talked about their depression are older. I was struck that someone so young would so bravely share her story and have such good insight. Depression, as all mental illnesses, is an equal opportunist; all ages, races, genders and economic statuses are affected.

My career as a mental health nurse has been working with adults. I was thinking about a patient I worked with many years ago. He was not just sad or down; he is to this day, the only person I have ever seen so severely depressed he was almost paralyzed with
psychomotor retardation. He moved slowly, barely spoke above a whisper, was disheveled, and did not eat. Episodes of severe depression are painful and it is a chore to do anything.

It seemed silly to wash one day when I would only have to wash again the next. It made me tired just to think of it. Sylvia Plath

If you or anyone you know is depressed encourage them to seek treatment. There is no visible wound but depression is a real and painful illness. It cannot be shaken off, or ignored; medications can help as can counseling.