The nurse asked, "Have you been feeling depressed lately?"

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Life looks "a bit" different than it did before the global pandemic - just a smidge. Not only are we dealing with health and economic issues at a global level, but we are also dealing with real problems and issues within our own four walls.

I don't care who you are. I know you have been impacted in some way, fashion, or form:

  • Political Affiliation: Democrat, Republican, Socialist, Marxist, Communist, etc.
  • (Non)Religious Affiliation: Atheist, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, etc.
  • Profession: Doctors, Layers, First Responders, Teachers, Newly Appointed Stay-At-Home Teachers, Factory Workers, Food Service Workers, etc.
  • Generation: The Greatest Generation, The Silent Generation, Baby Boomer Generation, Generation X, Xennials, Millennials, Generation Y, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, etc.

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Strange Questions for Strange Times


I needed to set up a doctor's appointment for a routine skin issue. I will spare you the details so that I do not violate my own HIPAA rights. When I set up my doctor's appointment, I was given strange instructions. "Call us when you get to the parking lot." That would have been strange two months ago, but today, just business as usual.

After arriving in the parking lot and calling to inform my health care provider that I had arrived, I was asked a "strange" question. This question is not strange in an unsettling way, but it has been strange in the sense that it takes me off-guard. "Have you been feeling depressed lately?"

My response? "I do not feel like I want to harm myself or others. But I am mentally and emotionally tired like I suspect most people are right now."

My History Of Depression


I don't recall ever having a bout of depression growing up as a kid. But to be honest, I don't recall people really talking about depression in my circles of influence. I know my family and friends were (are) not immune to mental disorders and extreme social anxiety, but as a child, I was not aware of anyone close to me with a history of mental illness.

Only in recent years, have I personally been impacted. I went through several months of deep depression. I did not want to get up. I did not feel motivated to work. I felt worthless and helpless.

The loss of my job and a major transition in life put me into a downward spiral. I was depressed! Before that moment, I was not able to emotionally sympathize with the turmoil that people with depression deal with. Now, I have a small glimpse of what some people struggle with on a daily basis.

Side Note: One day while feeling down and out, I was stumbling around the internet. I say tumbling because I was searching for information without direction or purpose. I happened upon a website called Steemit.com. I quickly realized that Steemit.com was just a website, but the real value was in the community called Steem. That journey lead me to the Hive community. Honestly, I can say that deep depression lead me to meaningful relationships within this community and provide me an outlet to express myself and create. I thank you all for that opportunity!

The Covid Blues


I have felt down the last week or so, not depressed, just down. As I mentioned to the nurse, I feel the mental and emotional weight of all that is happening globally as well as what is happening personally.

  • I have friends that are struggling, and that weighs on me.
  • I have friends who are trying to move to another state, and they are stressed out.
  • My grandma is slowing fading away. Her body is giving out.
  • My introvert self cannot find peace and quiet in our rental home. We are packed to the gills. I love it, but it wears me out!
  • My extrovert wife needs more time with friends outside of the home. What a challenge while trying to social distance!

My "complain" list does not even compare to the obstacles and struggles that other people are facing right now at this very moment. But my "complain" list reminds me that there are other people hurting. My hope is that I channel the weight that I feel and direct it into positive efforts that can impact the lives of others.

I am just one man, but I have the opportunity to bless others. I may not be able to change the world, but I can definitely impact a few people today.

Final Thoughts


I know that there are people struggling today - some across the street, across town, on the other side of the world, and maybe in my own house.

I must choose whether or not I will allow myself to make a difference. It is my choice to wallow or be hope, to shrink back or to press forward.

I don't know what you are facing today, but please know that my thoughts are with you. I hope you are finding relief from the Covid blues.

@SumatraNate

Disclaimer: I may post this article on other social media accounts that I have.



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