Lesson 3: There is no shame in asking for help

So much of the stigma around depression or any mental disorder is that it is a weakness, something to be ashamed of and to hide; but there is absolutely nothing shameful in depression. It took me awhile to accept this idea because I had talked myself into believing that it was not ok for me to have depression for so long. When I finally admitted that what I was feeling was not normal and realized that I would never be healthy on my own, I was able to start learning how to let other people help me.

Now I seek help from all over the place. My main source of help, of course, is God, and I am so thankful for all that He has done for me. I also have learned that having a mental health professional who can look at my situation from a healthy state of mind and help me to see things the way they really are rather than how they appear through my depression is an invaluable blessing. My parents and friends, especially a couple close ones that I talk to daily, have also been a huge part of my recovery without them really even knowing it.

As someone who has benefitted from taking the step of faith to ask for help, I have a word of encouragement for anyone reading this:
First, those of you who have not experienced something like depression or another mental disorder, I would encourage you to educate yourself on the reality of the situation for a person who is living with this in their life. It is not something to be joked about or made to seem like a weakness or failure on their part - it is a very real, very debilitating part of life that needs to be treated seriously but without making it shameful.

Second, if you are someone who is living with depression or a mental disorder, take advantage of the resources that are out there! Take a step of faith to admit you need help and don't be ashamed of what you're experiencing! Keep God in the forefront of your mind, and don't let others opinions of you rule your life. Reach out to people you can trust and that love you, and ignore those who try to tear you down.