Depression, Not A Dirty Little Secret
The other night during the Grammy’s, Demi Lovato was up to sing and had to restart the song because emotions took over.
The song that she was performing, Anyone, was written 4 days prior to her overdose in 2018. A comment was made, “I don’t understand why they have to keep talking about it. Can’t we just let it go already?”, and this struck a nerve.
My comment back was, “Depression is not discriminatory. It can take hold of the rich, poor, famous, black, white, young and old. It can be expressed in many forms and we definitely need to keep talking about it”.
The lyrics in Demi’s song were a cry for help. Fortunately, she made it through and is able to tell us her story today.
I tried to talk to my piano / I tried to talk to my guitar
Talk to my imagination / Confided in alcohol
I tried and tried and tried some more
Told secrets ’til my voice was sore
Tired of empty conversation / ‘Cause no one hears me anymore
I have always been very open in conversation with my battle with depression and anxiety. I have been hospitalized twice in my life. First time was a nervous breakdown and the second an overdose. While I am not proud of the moments, I will continue to talk about them and not treat them as a dirty secret that must be hidden.
In the last few decades, depression has shed some of its stigma. People now talk more openly about it; they are more apt to seek treatment for it. And yet, there is still something to it that causes its sufferers to feel differently about their condition… That has to change. Gayle Forman, If I Sty & I Was Here
This isn’t an attention seeking conversation and should not be taboo or shunned. Had there been more open conversation then about what I was going through, maybe my path would have been different.
I am proud of those that post about their journey and are not ashamed they received help. Be it a pill, counselor or any other form that helps keep you grounded, I am proud of you. Never be ashamed and keep talking your truth. Sometimes, Your Words, are what someone needs!