HOPE

By Sarah DeMaison

Even though there are billions of people in the world, it is so easy to just feel so alone. Feeling as though there is no one you can count on or no one who understands. Some people may not have any support such as family or friends and others may have huge families and many friends. Regardless, when in a crowded room, it is easy to feel “alone.” People have told me they have had feelings of loneliness their entire lives. Some people have told me they have never felt alone and have plenty of friends, however still choose to never leave the house or to spend time with anyone. Individuals who declare never feeling alone can sometimes also declare never experiencing feelings of depression. What I do know is isolation can definitely lead to depression. It can be a vicious cycle when it begins.

I think about Pink Floyd and in a certain song he sings about “comfortably numb.” Can you relate to that type of feeling? Do you know someone who is “comfortably numb” whether they will admit it or not? The words “comfortably numb” are so interesting to me because this can happen so quickly and easily. An easy example is; say you begin to feel depressed and decide to not leave the house on a particular rainy day. You decide not to shower because you are not going out anyways so “why bother.” Everyone does this at some point in life. The problem begins the next day when you are feeling “tired from doing nothing.” Day 3, the same thing occurs and the next thing you know, a month later, you still might not have showered or remained in pajamas. It is more alarming when this begins to disrupt life but the problem is, what initially was feeling “uncomfortable” quickly begins to feel “comfortable.”

Depression can be associated with feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, agitation, sadness and lack of energy, just to name a few. What do you do when you feel so hopeless? Tie a knot and hang on. Figure out what needs to change or not change. Change your pajamas or at least take a shower. Move from one room of the house to a different room. Open the blinds. Look out at the sun. Perhaps at least step outside for 5 minutes. The goal is to begin to start feeling uncomfortable with feeling “comfortably numb.” Ignore those who ask “why are you depressed?” Or, “what do you have to be depressed about?” These individuals have no clue what you are experiencing and I am sure you would not want them to understand. Remind yourself hope stands for Hold On Pain Ends. 

To contact Sarah directly with questions, please email her at sarahdemaison@changewithinme.com.