Let’s cut to the point, no beating around the bush: depression is f*cking difficult and sometimes it feels like there is no hope.
All of this talk about reducing the stigma, creating awareness, increasing access to resources, is incredible. It is promoting a more accepting view of mental illness which, in turn, makes it easier for people to open up about themselves.
This isn’t the solution for everyone, though. Some people are aware of the reduction in stigma, the resources available to them, the acceptance of mental illness, have opened up about themselves, and they still succumb to their depression.
A world that is accepting and understanding of depression does not mean it ceases to exist. That feeling of hopelessness doesn’t go away just because there is more acceptance of it – it persists.
Those who struggle with, or have struggled with, depression are certainly aware of this feeling. At times, it is weak, controllable, but still there. Other times, it is overwhelming, overpowering any rational thought process.
This overwhelming emotion can leave us feeling like there is no way out. Rationalizing with yourself may stop working but consider the following:
You’ve just sprained your ankle and it hurts to move. You surely can’t rationalize with the pain and make it go away. If you get up and start walking on it, it is going to hurt. No amount of rationalizing will help the discomfort.
Instead, you rest and give it time to heal. In time, that pain will subside and you will be able to walk again. At first, with a limp, but eventually, in strides.
Hold On, Pain Ends
Hold on, pain ends. Whatever you are going through, now, tomorrow, next month, next year, you will get through it. It might not be today, tomorrow, next month, or next year, but you will get through it.
Never give up hope. It is always there, even when it feels like it is not.
If anyone on campus ever needs a place to speak freely, without judgement, you are welcome to come to The Baron’s office. We are there as often as we can be and welcome anyone who needs to talk.
There are counselling services on campus, free to students, who can be contacted at sjcounsellor@unb.ca.
The Student Representative Council President, Patrick Hickey, and VP External, Ashley Cook, have open doors for anyone in need.
There are also some anonymous services available listed below:
Mobile Mental Health: 1-888-811-3664
Telecare: 811
Crisis Text Line: 686-868
Chimo Crisis Line: 1-800-667-5005
Sexual Assault Support Line: 506-454-0437
