Who’s Watching Them?

It’s hard fighting depression when you are a well put together person.  People don’t believe they need assistance when they’re always assisting everyone else.  With everything that is going on in the media today highlighting depression and mental illness, it’s time we look out for our strong family, friends and most importantly take inventory of ourselves.  We spend so much time talking and focusing on the physical that we forget about the importance of mental strength.

There are so many myths and stigmatisms surrounding depression with our culture.  For instance, some would say, “If our people could make it through slavery, anything is possible and we can make it through anything.”  Or, opinions are formed that weak individuals can’t handle life and become depressed. The truth of the matter is, just because someone looks good and makes something looks good, doesn’t mean they feel good.

I’ve walked around for a year or so smiling, giving advice, being the mother, friend, publisher, “boss” and companion that I knew to be.  However, on the inside, I was in shambles.  I lost my house and had to split my kids up to try and get back on my feet.  I felt like a complete failure.  My children are my world.  What kind of mother loses the roof over their children’s head?  You’ve failed as a mother,” I’d tell myself.  These thoughts consumed me day in and day out.  There came a point where I gave my thoughts life and while standing on a train station platform, I convinced myself to jump in front of the train.  Bu the grace of God, I am still here and in my right mind.  I literally saw myself jumping, but something on the inside stopped me.  That incident alone propelled me to seek help.  And for the first time in my life, I decided to undergo therapeutic counseling.  I said all of that to say, there is someone in your family, your immediate circle or even yourself suffering silently.  Some of only know what it is to suffer so we don’t see a way out.  It’s time we look in on our strong friends and examine ourselves because depression does not discriminate.  It doesn’t hold anything back either.

On a day-to-day basis when having a bad day, try some of the following things listed below. 

• Keep a journal.  Sometimes writing things down helps keep the pain and misery from running in a circle.
• Pay attention when your sleeping habits change.
• Go for a walk.
• Buy yourself a gift.
• Try reading daily self-affirmations until you believe them yourself.
• Talk to a friend, family member or doctor if necessary.
• Take a class
• Whatever you do, don’t give up on yourself.

Depression is a mental illness that has a significate effect.  If you do not know the signs, here are a few:

• Feeling sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, or generally pessimistic.
• Feeling more irritable than normal.
• Not doing the things you used to enjoy because you have no interest and/or motivation.
• Feeling easily fatigued or generally lacking energy.
• Experiencing changes in your sleep and/or appetite.
• Having difficulty thinking, making decisions, concentrating, or remembering things.
• Having an increase in physical ailments with no medical reason or evidence as to why.
• Thinking of death or suicide.

 

However, if you feel at your lowest reach out to someone. Don’t keep it to yourself.  Therapy isn’t as bad as we’ve been taught to believe. 

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

 

You are not alone.  There is always a way out!

-Latoya Chandler

 

About Latoya

Author. Single Mom. Entrepreneur. Blogger

These are all titles that describe the talented Latoya Chandler. Nestled in the “Big Apple” (New York), this single mom turned entrepreneur has grand

aspirations and creative attributes within the literary world. Her passion for perfecting characters into fictional art contributes to her coaching/mentoring

others to embrace and express their similar experiences.

Latoya’s dedication and passion have allowed her to emerge as an author, mentor, and publishing coach. Her name is credited towards over twenty published works as either the author or publisher. Her voice and vision have provided inspiration and motivation for numerous published and aspiring authors.

When Latoya is not coaching, reading or writing, she is spending time with her first love; Family. She takes extreme pride in being an example for her five (5) loving children and doting on her very patient better half. They are the driving force behind her drive along the journey of continuous evolvement as a single mom turned entrepreneur.

After years of self-publishing, Latoya took a leap of faith to find a major publisher, securing her place on the team of powerhouse publishing company Urban/Kensington.