Depression

I read two moving blog posts today about depression that I want to share. These are brilliant and hilarious blogs and though the subject matter is serious, I am in awe of how these writers share their experiences with the Internet in such illuminating and witty ways. Also, I've just learned May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

First is a post at Hyperbole and a Half, who was on hiatus from blogging for 18 months. She returned with an explanation of what those 18 months felt like, in Depression Part Two. I appreciated how she said:

And that's the most frustrating thing about depression. It isn't always something you can fight back against with hope. It isn't even something — it's nothing. And you can't combat nothing. You can't fill it up. You can't cover it. It's just there, pulling the meaning out of everything. That being the case, all the hopeful, proactive solutions start to sound completely insane in contrast to the scope of the problem.

The second is a post at Dooce, a blog I've read since college. I greatly admire Heather Armstrong's humorous and candid writing. She has a giant readership (she supports her kids and family on this blog) and even if you aren't a mommy, a Utah resident or an ex-Mormon like her, you'd still laugh at her observations on life. This recent post, If this isn't for you, it's for someone else, doesn't go deeply into her own experiences of depression, but argues why she repeatedly blogs what her depression is like: to educate those who think it's something easily cured or have other misunderstandings. I've learned most of what I know about depression from what she's shared over the years.

I've spoken with people I love about depression, whether it affects them or others they love. And perhaps you have, too. If you haven't read about it, start with these two blogs. Even if you haven't  talked about it with someone, you just might in the future. A little bit of knowledge and understanding can go a long way.