Do you or someone you know suffer with depression but are too ashamed to admit or discuss it for fear of been ridiculed? I have met and worked with hundreds of women over the years whose lives have been touched in some way by mental health. Whether it be PMT, post-natal depression or anxiety.

Neither money nor fame can influence it selectiveness and there are many celebrities who have suffered with depression. Lady Gaga being one who talks quite openly about the effects it has on her life. She is quoted as saying.

“I learned that my sadness never destroyed what was great about me. You just have to get back to that greatness, find that one little light that’s left. Luckily I found one little glimmer stored away.”

This is true for many of us who may at some point in life felt that their light has been turned out.

Behind The Scenes.

One of the common themes you may experience are feelings of weakness or having done something wrong to deserve it, nothing could be further from the truth. Once you begin to realise and accept this can happen to anyone, you are not alone and there are organisations to support and give advice you are on a pathway to recovery.

There can be many medical reasons why depression may be present in your life and it’s important you see your GP to get a diagnosis. Hopefully it can be treated quite quickly helping you return to full health again. Sometimes the reasons are hidden away in the recesses of your mind and you may not have been able to discuss it. The key message is whatever the issue please don’t suffer in silence.

Whist we may take the view that Gaga has a privileged lifestyle and she is untouchable. I would urge you to read the following paragraph shared by Lady Gaga.

“The hardest part for me was the self-acceptance. There’s an inability to acknowledge to yourself, ‘Not only did this happen, but I’m pretty  f—ed up about it.’ And nobody knows how you feel. I didn’t tell anyone [about my sexual assault] for years — and I didn’t tell anyone for years because I didn’t tell myself for years. And my soul just burnt out until it was gone. And then you have to admit you were in pain, and that you died in a way, but you are in control to bring it back, and there are people in the world who’ll help you.”

Lady Gaga is Not Alone in her Suffering.

You may be a mother, housewife, carer, nurse, or any other professional. If you can take courage or inspiration from this story and see there is hope.Would you please share your comments (anonymously if you wish) on this blog.

In the final words from the lady herself.

“We don’t have to be victims. If we share our stories and stick together, we’re stronger.”

If you need to talk to someone in confidence, the Samaritans offer 24 hour support to talk about whatever is bothering you.Call free: 166 123  or Email: jo@samaritans.org
For help with depression and other emotional problems. www.adaptationpractice.org