Beyond the blues

"I just felt terrible and I didn't know why it was, I didn't want to face anyone, I didn't want to talk to anyone. I didn't really want to do anything for myself because I felt so, I felt like I was such an awful person that there was no real reason for me to do anything for myself."
--Rodolfo Palma-Lulión, from the National Institute of Mental Health Web site

If you have seen the curernt issue of Newsweek, you know the cover story is about men and depression. Columbus resident Stephen Akinduro, a regular contributor to our letters section in the paper, is featured in it as a survivor of suicide, and as one who has struggled with depression. Here is a link to the story. And here is a link to a depression quiz.
Though not an uplifting topic, it's important. Not just to men, of course; but as the article points out, men seem to have the added societal burden of being "successful" in their field, which can translate to a) making a lot of money and b) gaining power and notoriety. (It's the American Dream, right?) If the trajectory of either A or B gets thwarted, depression--serious depression--can set in. And especially so if, like Akinduro, you have a family history. Genetics definitely play a role.
Six million American men will be diagnosed with depression this year.

Thankfully, the stigmas that attach themselves to mental illness seem to be lessening. With more and more people speaking out about this debilitating illness, naturally more of us will become educated, and hopefully more compassionate. Among those who have spoken and/or written about depression in their own lives: William Styron, Mike Wallace, Art Buchwald (pictured left), Rosalynn Carter. (Styron, Wallace and Buchwald referred to themselves the Blues Brothers. Wallace is the only one of the bunch still living.) The artist Van Gogh suffered (photo at top). A list would go on and on, and may even include the person sitting next to you at work.
Styron's "Darkness Visible" is one of the best resources out there. The Washington Post recently had this great column about Buchwald. Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison is a psychiatrist who had a serious bout, and has written and spoken about depression extensively. This Baptist minister in Texas blogged Wednesday about his own experience and struggle.
Humor helps. Talking helps. Prayer. Throwing things. (Preferably soft things.) A supportive community. Use every tool at your disposal. It is a curable and manageable illness. If you need help in the Columbus, Ga., area call 211. Outside: Call 1-800-273-TALK or see www.nami.org.