Samantha Jane Buice

This week, I would like to discuss Depression. It is a fog in the head, a hit from a train, a kick in the butt. I would venture to say that, whether or not we choose to admit it, everyone has experienced depression and/or anxiety at some point in our lives, in different magnitudes. Sometimes we are keenly aware of the stem, and at other points, the anxiety rises in our guts for no apparent reason. Either way, depression is a monster; and worthy of discussion. It is easy, especially in our lives right now, to become bored, to have cabin fever, to fall into a hole of deep despair and anxiety about our health and the state of the world; not to mention the problems that arise from financial crisis. I have certainly been affected by depression and anxiety, and have no problem admitting it. I wrote a book and told the whole world the truth about my illness, so I am done hiding, keeping a “secret” that should never have been kept. So, let’s talk about it. I want your opinions; your feedback; your suggestions; criticisms. Fire away. But first, hear what I have to say.

It sucks to make an effort in general when depression strikes. It feels impossible even to tear yourself away from your bed to take a shower. Eventually, though, you have to take a shower. But for the moment and/or a couple of days, may I just sing the praises of dry shampoo? If you have to go out in public (which I suggest you do, when it’s safe to do so) and resume your “normal” routine, try it out! It’s the best! When you finally do shower, you will most likely feel a bit better; trust me. In my experience, there is never a greater night’s sleep than a clean one.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep, but not too much. I know there’s a fine line there; and after trying everything under the sun to help me sleep, believe me; I understand that it is easier said than done. Getting enough sleep is just as important as not oversleeping. When suffering from a blow of depression, it’s easy to succumb to the quick sand of a comfortable bed, but you have to get the endorphins flowing so your body can heal; and you can be happy again. Go for a walk and try not to worry, especially about things you can’t control, or feelings of anxiety for no apparent reason.

In the future, when we are able to choose when to stay home and when to socialize with other people, the best advice I have for you is this: It is sometimes easier to watch life go on outside your window, curled up in a cozy position (hopefully clutching a good book), but your life is yours for a reason; so get out there into that scary, uncomfortable world; experiencing, creating, producing and socializing with other people, no matter how tempting it is to be home alone; and most likely, you will recover your smile.

—SJB

Uplifting Activity Suggestions:

*Watch the sunrise/sunset

*Draw or Paint

*Visit with a friend

*Exercise

*Stretch/Do yoga

*Go out for coffee

*Work in a garden

*Go outside and soak in the sunshine!

*Read

*Play board games

*Care for a pet/Let your pet care for you

*Join a group with others who share your interests

HOPE, STRENGTH, LOVE

My name is Samantha Buice. My middle name is Jane. As you may have deduced, the story I recently published is a tale of my own experience with mental illness. I hope you won’t think that I am trying to hide behind a pen name. I am not ashamed of my mental illness anymore—as I was in the earlier stages of my battle. I understand; however, the temptation to bury the truth of your mental illness and try to live a “normal” life, hoping that no one will uncover your secret.

Honestly, the greatest sense of relief that I have ever experienced–to this day–was discovering that the way I was behaving and feeling was due to something real; something without my control; something I could treat, even if it could not be cured. The realization that I was not (am not) alone washed over me like a mighty force of wind, a rush of cold white water. It was a feeling of being found, if not saved. I am blessed with a supportive family and close friends who share my “secret,” so I have never really been alone, though some moments felt that way.

I would hate to convey that your mental illness should be kept a secret. There is nothing “wrong” with anyone, really. We are all doing the best we can with the cards we have been dealt. For a long time, I tried extremely hard to act “normal” so that others would not judge me. I felt I had power over the rest of the world because I knew something the people around me did not, and that power was something I held onto for some time. The problem with keeping it secret is that so many of the population are dealing with this issue, and most people are not talking about it, as if this illness does not qualify as “real.” There is a stigma attached to it, one that scares us because society deems us “crazy.” No one wants to be labeled.

Today, this week, and for the rest of your life, remember that you are not alone, and that today we need to join the conversation.

We must stand together and be strong. A breeze may blow out a candle, but a fire grows stronger when you fan the flames.

—SJB

I invite book reviews, concerns, and questions!