Last week on my podcast, I had interviewed Alicia Cramer, who is a business coach and the topic was about how she managed issues with self worth and depression. I want to talk more about depression.
The truth about depression is that a lot of people are suffering from it, and it is a real condition. A lot of business owners and entrepreneurs deal with the illness. However, plenty of them hide it under the rug because they feel like it is something to be ashamed of. They are terrified that they will be harshly judged and if they were to admit the fact that they had issues with depression, they would also fear losing business. That is extremely sad that they feel this way, because they are suffering in silence. Not to mention, tragedies like what happened to social media consultant Trey Pennington occur as a result. That being said, more and more professionals who are suffering from depression need to be upfront and honest about what is happening. They need to reach out and not suffer in silence like Pennington did. There is no shame in it because depression is not only real but it is prevalent.
In fact, I have depression. I know how it is to be feeling like you are stuck in a dark place. I have felt that way for a long time. I have had it all of my life, and some external circumstances have brought it out even more. The worst thing anyone dealing with depression can do is hide from it, and be ashamed.
Now, the last thing to do is to vent and rant about how “your life sucks” on social media. I definitely do not recommend that. That will get you into major trouble, and it will ruin your reputation. The best thing to do when you are feeling very low is to talk to a friend or to a counselor. However, here is the truth. Sometimes it is therapeutic to go online and to vent. I know that sounds like I had just said the opposite in the first sentence of this paragraph. Let me explain what I mean.
There are some networks specifically designed for people who are dealing with illness, especially depression. You may want to sign up on those but do not use your real name if you tend to be the venting type. Again, you want to maintain a professional image online and offline. You want to be inspirational and positive on your main social networks.
WebTribes
Depression Tribe
Daily Strength
Healthful Chat
Depression Understood
It is helpful to talk to others who are going through what you are, and feeling the same way that you are. However, be careful not to stay in the dark hole as it is very easy to do. If you are going to sign up to these networks to vent, be sure not to get lost in the venting. Find solutions to help yourself. For instance, gratitude helps a lot. Find anything you are grateful for, because no matter how depressed you are, you can find at least one thing. That you definitely can share on all of your social networks! If you are an entrepreneur and suffering from depression, you are not alone and there is no shame in it at all.
Hi Miriam,
I loved last week’s podcast and now this one on depression. Yes, it is like a black hole and I know it well. When it hits, one needs to join a group (thank you for posting them BTW) or get counseling.
I’ve seen people blurt things out on social media when they are depressed and it does ruin their reputation.
Thanks again for addressing this issue.
-Donna
Thanks Donna, I have done some no-no’s in the past myself but thankfully I have learned. Life can be very hard, and the last thing we should ever do is shove feelings of depression under the rug, but you have to remember people are watching what you say and do.
Hi Miriam,
So true, whatever we do or say out there will last forever. Whenever I get depressed or feel down, I do retreat lol.
But as long as we are learning, it is part of the journey. I see the comments here and there are many of us who have been depressed.
It takes a lot to admit it. One of those “secrets” many keep. So I am so glad you have written about it.
-Donna
Thanks Donna, we all need to realize that depression is nothing to be ashamed of and for those who suffer from it must know that there is never a need to suffer in silence.
You really write very good article and nice blog too.
Keep writing such informative articles and thanks for the information.
Hi Miriam, I also have suffered from depression most of my life. I have to say that counseling has helped and like you mentioned focusing more of the good and positive things in your life. Taking care of yourself is essential by keeping a good balance, and not becoming overwhelmed with things. Just knowing that others are going through it with you helps…and then let go of things you can’t control. This was a big one for me.
Thanks for bringing it to the forefront.
It is so easy to become very depressed about the things you can’t control, and I admit I have tonnes to work on with this one. Thank you for commenting.
Wow thanks for sharing Miriam. I have not suffered from depression but I do know that so many people suffer with this condition. It is more common than anyone of us would believe but its great that you can find the right support groups when needed to keep a balance and stop yourself from drowning in your own thoughts.
Thanks Jenni, it is more common than people want to admit because plenty suffer in silence.
Hi Miriam,
You really write well, very useful article and very nice blog too.
Keep writing such informative articles and thanks for the information.
Thank you!
Hi Miriam,
Like most people, I have had times when I’ve been really DOWN – probably not clinically depressed – but very bad.
Even last week, to be honest, because I had a broken blog and I just couldn’t fix it.
At times like this I write everything down in a letter – BUT don’t send it. It gets it “out of me” and things start to come back into proportion, and the blog is now fixed – which helps!
Note the “don’t send your letter” part. I once sent it, which was a very bad move that I have regretted ever since.
Have a good week, Joy
Thanks for sharing Joy and yes you don’t want to send something that you will regret sending later on!! Good tip though.
Thank you for the information. Sometimes just reading that your not the only one going through something is enough to give you hope. I too have dealt with depression on and off through out my life. I am thankful to have a wife who understands, but sometimes even that is not enough. I had found a depression forum which helped. It was also moderated by trained professionals who would reach out to you. Especially if your posts got particularly dark.
These resources are good to belong to as I have also seen people loose their reputation for some social sites want it to be shiny lights and puppy dogs all the time.
Thanks for the comment Lawrence, and I am glad you had taken advantage of some of the forums as they can be helpful. Unfortunately with main social media networks, if you are too open about things it can tarnish your reputation. It’s an unfortunate fact.
Its really great. I’m going to subscribe so that i can come to know every updates. keep it up
Greetings Everyday