Remember Monk, the OCD former detective and private eye, who made that particular mental illness funny and almost glamorous? Viewers loved to laugh at him because of his obsessive ways, which, by the way, also helped him solve some cases.
Listen to random conversations and chances are bipolar disorder will come up. The condition seems to be more common lately. Not sure if more doctors diagnose this disorder or more people have it.
Those with bipolar disease are hard to live with. One minute they seem fine, the next minute something snaps and they are having a hissy fit throwing furniture and punches. Medication helps, but many patients say they do not like the way the drugs make them feel.
People often misunderstand depression. Though sadness and depression differ, many people do not know the distinction. A well-meaning friend once told me to go find some joy. If only the solution were that easy.
Depression lurks behind the curtains and inside closets. Turn your back and it catches you, closes its arms around you, and you find yourself unable to breathe.
Then doubt and guilt crawl out of their hiding places to torment you incessantly. Doubt will demand you question your every move. Once you believe what doubt puts in front of you, guilt takes over. Everything you do, you doubt, then castigate yourself for your actions or inaction.
Sleep becomes the retreat for the overwhelming weight of sadness, guilt and doubt. Asleep, the volume of accusations falls to barely a whisper, and relief comes.
Depressed people can be great actors. Meet them on the street and they exude joy and happiness. Inside, they want to run.
So how do you help a depressed person? Be a friend. Offer understanding if the depressed person cannot go to the movies as planned. Don't say you know how the depressed person feels, because you do not. Call or Facebook every now and then to let them know you care.
I know being a friend to someone who has depression sucks. If you want to run the other way, that is OK.
I miss you so much, Dude.
I would never run away. I'm here any time you need to talk. Just give me a holler. Or, at least just know that I think of you often and I care about you. Many hugs to you, my friend. (((HUGS))) <3
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