One of the most difficult aspects of depression is the feeling of isolation and the false belief (that can often occur) where you start to believe that you are the only that is suffering from this affliction.
This is at least in part due to the ongoing societal stigma about depression and mental health problems.
The stigma combined with the skewed (negative) thinking that occurs during depression results in many people suffering in silence until they can't take it any more.
Success does not shield people from these problems.
Suicide is not a solution.
In many cases suicide seems like the easiest option. Your mind is clouded to the point where you can't see any other way out.
Often people who have reach this point have been “keeping up appearances” to hide the true situation from everyone around them.
They are unable to comprehend any other resolution. It seems to be the only fix.
Your family and your friends will never be the same again. They will be racked by guilt and regrets.
Some will likely go to an early grave as a result of the strain.
The first step is to speak to someone.
Unfortunately due to the way that depression warps your thinking this will seem like the hardest thing to do.
There is often shame and guilt that makes it hard to broach the subject with people that you know and are closest to you.
For example in the UK (and US) there are the Samaritans.
They offer telephone and in-person support. They can also help to clarify your situation and get you further help/more in depth support.
During the depths of depression it can be very hard to think clearly and another person who can look objectively at your situation can be invaluable in clearing through this fog.
If you are in that dark situation use Google to see what services are available in your area (just try googling depression support).
Another alternative is to call up your local GP (General Practitioner) surgery/health centre as they can signpost you to the service that you need.
There are often specifically tailored services for different situations - e.g. for bereavement, drug problems etc.
If you are a spiritual person then your Church or religious centre will also likely have some support services which may be more suited to you.
-Just pick up the phone and ask.
This is an illusion though. It is not rational, it is not logical and it is not based on any evidence.
Some of those periods will be very dark.
For example, there were times when I would spend all my waking hours figuring out how I could end my life in a way that would not cause any harm to others. -It occupied my thoughts completely.
Once you do and you start to feel better you will wonder why you didn't do it earlier.
It is not easy and you won't suddenly feel back to normal - not right away.
I am not speculating here.
I have been there myself multiple times with my own depression (and also with my patients).
To summarise, the fundamental points are:
Also before I go just wanted to say that I will be around to answer questions tonight but will be away at a wedding tomorrow.
If I don't get back to you right away just be patient and I will respond.
