On Friday May 1st my debut novel, The Baker’s Dozen, is being released to the public! Am I excited? Absolutely! Who wouldn’t be? And treading on its heels, May 3 - May 9, is yet another momentous time - National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week. You’ll find that The Baker’s Dozen touches on the subject of depression and mental illness within the family as it narrates the story of a young woman’s struggle from within to allow herself the freedom to love. With the two being very significant to me, I thought it was the perfect time to write this blog.
With a struggling economy and so many companies shedding jobs, more and more people are facing situations that could easily drive them over the edge of sanity. Depression has claimed many victims and embedded its ugly claws in the lives of people you would never think possible.
For instance, no one could ever have convinced me that I would experience depression. A few years ago I endured several major changes in my life, all at one time, that caused me to fall into a deep emotional slump. After weeks of being in denial, I finally convinced myself to take advantage of the employee assistance program at work. It wasn’t an overnight process, but I had to take the first step toward healing. The help that I received, coupled with my spiritual growth, enabled me to climb out of the pit I’d subconsciously fallen into.
That first step was the hardest. As a single woman and head of my household, I had developed the attitude of a leader. I had to be strong for my family, and admitting that I was dealing with depression was the same as admitting that I was weak and could be penetrated. Not to mention I was embarrassed. Those are some reasons why depression goes untreated. So many are ashamed to admit that they’re suffering, so they suffer in silence, thinking it will go away when sometimes it only gets worse.
Here are some facts you should know about depression:
· It causes you to feel sad and hopeless much of the time.
· Anyone can have depression. It often, but not always, runs in families.
· It can be caused by major events that cause stress, illnesses, medications, and drug/alcohol use.
· It can be treated with counseling or antidepressant medicine, or both.
Here are some facts that I found to be really interesting:
· 54% of people think depression is a personal weakness.
· 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.
· 80% of depressed people are not currently getting treatment.
· 92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment.
· 15% of depressed people will commit suicide.
· Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 - and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are many resources available. Also, in observance of National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week, I challenge you to broaden your knowledge of depression. Here’s one website I found to be particularly helpful: www.freedomfromfear.org
If you are led to make a contribution to this cause, visit www.mindovermatter2day.com, a not-for-profit organization that uses the donations they receive to help people get the assistance they need.
Please join me as I celebrate the release of my debut novel on Friday May 1st.
To order your copy of The Baker’s Dozen, visit www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com
