Always make sure to ask the REAL experts. Image from: bigdavetheexpert.blogspot.com
Recently a friend of mine asked me about depression. We talked about all the precursors, symptoms, and long term effects a person may have to deal with, when faced with depression. One particular comment caused concern for me. He told me I was the only expert on depression and mental illness that he knew.
Here’s the deal. I’m not an expert. If you are looking for professional help, I’m not it. I’m an ear, a mouth, a voice in the endless sea that is the internet. I have not gone to school to learn about my illness. I did not learn anything about PTSD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or Anxiety that couldn’t be found on the internet by a resourceful individual.
I just talk about it. I guarantee each of you knows someone acquainted with mental illness. Your brother, your cousin, your aunt, your best friend. Someone you know has dealt with mental illness on a significantly personal level, and just isn’t talking about it.
Please, if I’m the closest thing you have to an expert, and you need help, take my plea: Seek professional help. I’m not a doctor, I’m not a therapist, even. I’m just a voice, an ear in the darkness. I’m here for you. But I can’t do those things that you may need most. I told my friend to talk to his doctor. As a matter of fact, he’s seeing a physician I’ve seen myself. I told him options he has with that office, and how things may work. But, there’s no guarantee to anything. I can’t guarantee that he will talk to his doctor, or that it will do him any good. I can’t guarantee he will be given the same options that have been given to me. But if you don’t try, you will never get the help you need. Then it may be too late.
I hope you don’t wait that long, friends.