Ren

Depression is a beast. 

BUT you don't have to let it win. You are strong enough to survive.

One of the hottest "new" musical artists is a man who has struggled with severe physical and mental illness for well over a decade. And, against all odds, he continues struggling and surviving and winning and inspiring others to keep going.

Ren Gill -- or just Ren to his millions of fans -- is a survivor. Like Harry Potter, he keeps on being "the boy who lived". He lives, he fights his demons -- physical, mental and emotional demons -- he gets stronger, he slips, he gets back up.

Here's one of his songs -- depression -- that may seem "depressing" but to me always feels hopeful, because I know that pain and fear. I know those tears. And I know Ren gets back up EVERY SINGLE TIME and when he triumphs over his demons it is extraordinary! And so I believe I can do that, too.

And then here is the anthem -- Hi Ren -- as enlightening and inspiring as it is entertaining. 

In spite of the countless days when all seems bleak, the world is full of glorious things that bring me hope every single day. Like Ren.

The boy who lived, who keeps going, who triumphs, who inspires.

WebMD

WebMD.com has a comprehensive section on depression, HERE:

Social Isolation

Are you a hermit by nature? Do you like being alone? Me, too!

Coupled with depression that loner tendency can morph into withdrawal.

Start re-thinking social isolation, and make an effort to socialize just a little bit more. Now that COVID has eased substantially, make sure you're vaccinated and venture out into the world!

Volunteer for a couple of hours, go out after work with co-workers, or simply reach out to a friend.

You don't need to change your basic character, but shifting away from social isolation may ease depression a bit.

Nature Heals

Spend time in nature as often as possible. Garden or take a walk, every day if you can. If all you can manage is sitting on your porch or patio, or even at an open window, that's where you start.  

Nature may help ease depression and it will certainly improve your quality of life.

Are You Eligible for Disability Benefits due to Depression?

If you cannot work full time because of depression – simply cannot face it – consider applying for disability benefits.

Not having any money and going further into debt does not help anyone climb out of depression.

Can you get benefits? Can you get them for a temporary time? Can you get them if you are doing any work for money? How hard is it to get benefits?

It can be very difficult but it also may be more than worth it!

Depression and anxiety can make applying hard, so get help to navigate the paperwork and regulations – an attorney is good, or any friend or relative with patience. Your insurance company may also be able to assign you an ally to help with the process.

HERE is the official Social Security Disability for Depression SSA website.

A Beautiful Dawn

Get your day off to a calm, positive, joyful start with this video of "A Beautiful Dawn" by Navajo recording artist Radmilla Cody.

16 Things I've Learned from 16 Years of Dealing with Depression

16 Things I've Learned from 16 Years of Dealing with Depression (Huffington Post)

by Hannah Sentenac, Contributor, writer, journalist, vegan.

16. There's always hope.
15. I can't expect to feel good all the time.
14. Alcohol was not my friend.
13. People who haven't suffered from depression have a tough time understanding it.
12. Self-compassion is key.
11. Lots of other people are fighting similar battles.
10. There's a reason meditation has been around for thousands of years.
9. Social media can exacerbate a sense of alienation.
8. Spending too much time alone is a bad idea.
7. There is no final destination.
6. Exercise is an amazing antidepressant.
5. There's no quick fix.
4. I should always ask for help when I need it.
3. My brain can change.
2. Everyone's journey is different.
1. I can make it out.

Get Help!

 10 Signs It's Time to Get Help for Depression

Hopelessness
An inability to concentrate
Unexplained aches and pains
Apathy concerning things you used to like to do
Alcohol or drug abuse
Changes in sleep habits
Changes in appetite and eating
Irritability, agitation, and moodiness
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
        - healthcentral.com

Parents – there is help available.

Get help.

“...approximately 2% of children and at least 4% of adolescents suffer from depression at any given time. By the end of high school, approximately one young person in five will have had at least one episode of depression.

“Children and adolescents who are under stress, who experience loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct, or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression... The good news is that depression is a treatable illness.”

Check out the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s online depression resource center.