Feeling lost ?

I know this is a little bit random and maybe unexpected, but I really want to talk about something that affects so many people. It crosses gender, ethnicity and class lines and can pretty much affect anyone at any point in  their lives, yet for some reason we shy away from talking about it and often that's the one thing that can help. I'm talking about 'Depression', that horrid word that carries with it so much social stigma that we would rather brush it under the carpet than address it head on. 

I'm not sure what made me decide to talk about this today but I suspect it's because a very close friend of mine is currently going through a very difficult time, and unfortunately I can't be there in person to help her through. However that doesn't mean that I should shy away from my duty to be there for here support can be offered to many different forms. Now a difficult time doesn't automatically translate to depression, and sometimes depression strikes when there doesn't even seen to be a cause, when you should be happy when everything has fallen into place should feel good but somehow doesn't, it feels empty alone and isolating. Sometimes people struggle to identify the symptoms of depression and put things down to stress, but there is a fine line which differentiates normal stress emotions and responses, and an all encompassing feeling of failure as if you are perpetually drowning and can't see a way out.

In my line of work, I see a lot of people suffering from depression and anxiety and it can be a vicious cycle which envelopes every part of your life. I'm always amazed at their strength to come forward and confide in a complete stranger and I wonder if I would be able to do the same in their position. I would hope so. But for every one person that comes forward seeking help there will be a dozen more lost and alone in their misery looking for a way out of what can feel like a black hole of negative emotions.  Some people are able to claw themselves out of this negativity and get back on to even ground but others need more support and time and its important that everyones' needs are addressed.

So I guess I wanted to approach this topic and maybe address questions or concerns that anyone may have. Maybe someone is struggling with a situation and can't seem to figure out what to do about it, or maybe you just find yourself alone dealing with a lot of negativity and would like someone to hear you, or maybe you just have a question about depression and what it is. I think the least we can all do is help out somebody who needs to be heard. Sometimes its just easier to talk to someone who is not involved in the situation, someone who you know won't judge you and say your wrong to feel a certain way...so lets talk, and be that shoulder to cry on.