Dear Readers,
As I sit down to write this, my heart feels heavy with the weight of shared experience. Depression is a silent companion that walks alongside many of us, often unnoticed by the world around us. It's a darkness that engulfs, suffocates, and isolates. Today, I want to share a piece of my journey with you, not as a beacon of hope but as a reminder that you are not alone in your struggle.
I recently watched the movie "Dear Evan Hansen," a poignant portrayal of human connection and the desperate need we all harbor for it. It struck a chord within me, echoing the silent screams of my own battles with depression. Like many of you, I've traversed the desolate landscapes of loneliness, longing for a connection that seemed forever out of reach.
You see, despite being an extrovert by nature, I've often found myself dancing on the edges of solitude. Friends, a rarity in my life, seemed elusive, leaving me to navigate the turbulent waters of existence alone. Every day felt like a battle for survival, a relentless struggle against the suffocating grip of despair.
In those moments of darkness, when the world seemed to fade into oblivion, I found solace in my secret place. A place where I could unleash the torrent of emotions pent up within me, where I could scream until my voice grew hoarse and tears stained my cheeks, and where my washcloth was my best friend filling my mouth while I bit down from the enormous pain I felt within. It's a raw, visceral experience, one that most would shy away from, but it's also a testament to the strength that lies within each of us.
It's a challenging journey we're all on, isn't it? Sometimes, even when we hold onto hope that things will improve, the path still feels unbearably heavy. It's as though we're invisible, lost in the shuffle of daily life. There's a myriad of experiences we all face - the grind of work or school, the struggles of parenthood, the relentless pressure to measure up to impossible standards. It's a tapestry woven with threads of pain and resilience, where each of us wears a mask to hide our vulnerabilities.
But behind these facades lies a shared truth: we all carry pain within us. Some of us cope by staying busy, while others try to drown out the hurt with distractions or substances. Yet, no matter how hard we try to evade it, the pain persists. In the midst of this struggle, some find solace in faith, while others reach out to others, only to find empty air. It's a lonely road, one where we often feel like we're walking in darkness.
It's heartbreaking to experience, feel, and hear how reaching out for help led to such painful experiences for me and others. It's a stark reminder of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health challenges in our society. It's also unjust that instead of receiving the support and empathy I needed, I was met with judgment and isolation. Being locked away behind walls and medicated without understanding only deepened the wounds I was already grappling with.
It's true, isn't it? We live in a world where billions of people coexist, yet so often, we're left feeling invisible and unheard. Our pain becomes a burden we carry alone, as those around us struggle to comprehend or empathize with what we're going through. For over two decades, I've wrestled with the demons of depression. I've felt the sharp sting of self-harm and the overwhelming urge to end it all. There were moments when I yelled at God for not granting me the release I so desperately sought. Moments when the pain became unbearable, and the only respite seemed to lie in the oblivion of death.
It's deeply saddening to witness how the lack of understanding and empathy can have devastating consequences for those struggling with their mental health. The separation and isolation inflicted upon individuals seeking help can be profoundly damaging, leaving them feeling small and invalidated in their experiences. It's disheartening to see how some may label those who reach out for help as weak, failing to recognize the immense courage it takes to face denial and admit the need for support. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; rather, it's a testament to inner strength and resilience.
In particular, it's troubling to hear how certain beliefs, such as those within certain Christian communities, can perpetuate the notion that suffering in silence is somehow noble or virtuous. While faith can offer solace and guidance, it's essential to remember that God also provides resources such as doctors and medicine for a reason. Seeking help, whether through medical intervention or reaching out to others, is never in conflict with one's faith; rather, it's an acknowledgment of the complex and multifaceted nature of human suffering.
But amidst the darkness, amidst the deafening silence of despair, I found a flicker of hope. It came in the form of a realization – that I was not alone in my struggle. That there were others out there, grappling with their own demons, fighting their own battles in the shadows.
I've been where you are, dear reader. I've felt the crushing weight of depression, the gnawing emptiness that threatens to consume us whole. But in the midst of this loneliness and isolation, it's essential to remember that you are not alone. Your pain is valid, your struggles are real, your voice deserves to be heard, and there are others out there who understand and empathize with what you're going through. In the darkest moments, when it feels like the weight of the world is crushing down, it's important to hold onto the belief that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, there will be days when the pain feels unbearable, when the shadows loom large and suffocating. But amidst the darkness, there are also moments of grace, of small victories and glimmers of hope.
It's okay to reach out, to seek help, even when it feels like no one is listening. It's okay to scream, to cry, to let the darkness consume you for a while. But remember, dear reader, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. That even in our darkest moments, there is hope. Believing that God doesn't make mistakes can be a source of comfort and strength, a reminder that even in our most challenging moments, we are not alone. Let us extend compassion and understanding to those who are struggling, offering them the support and empathy they need to navigate the complexities of their journey towards healing.
Together, we can combat the stigma surrounding depression. Together, we can work towards breaking down the barriers of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health in general. Together, we can build a community of love, empathy, and understanding. Together, we can navigate the labyrinth of despair and emerge stronger, more resilient than ever before. By sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can create a world where reaching out for help is met with compassion and understanding, rather than judgment and isolation.
So let us reach out, let us connect, let us stand together in solidarity against the darkness. For in our shared struggles, we find strength. And in our shared pain, we find solace.
With love and solidarity,
Lẹwa Ubunifu
***If You or Someone You Know Has A Problem With Depression or Suicide, Please Contact The Numbers On Our Resource Page: https://lewaubunifu.wixsite.com/lewaubunifu/resources. REMEMBER, You Are NOT Alone!
Songs That Help Me In Darkness
Imagine Me by Kirk Franklin
Hold On by Thi'sl
Hold Me Now by Kirk Franklin and the Family
Fix Me, Jesus by Queen Latifah
You're Bigger by Jekalyn Carr
Take Me To The King by Tamela Mann
Never Lost by Cece Winans
Rise Up by Andra Day
Feel The Light by Jennifer Lopez
A Million Dreams by Pink
Hope by Faith Evans and Twista
Glory by Detroit Youth Choir featuring IndigoYaj
JUST STAND UP! by Artists Stand Up to Cancer
This Is Me by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble
Conqueror by Empire Cast, Estelle, and Jussie Smollett
What Scars Are For by Mandisa
Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp
Mended by Matthew West
Deeper by Marvin Sapp
You Are More by Tenth Avenue North
Stronger by Mandisa
Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
Who Will Cry? (For The Little Girl) Schawayna Raie
No More by Deshai Williams
Only Hope by Mandy Moore
If Everyone Cared by Nickelback
Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth
Clean This House by Isaac Carree
Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac Shakur
Starting Now by Brandy
No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley and The Wailer's
We're A Winner by The Impressions
I Believe by Yolanda Adams
Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness
Battle Belongs by Phil Wickham
Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Ohhh Lord by Star Cast featuring Queen Latifah, Patti LaBelle, and Brandy
Alabaster Box by Cece Winans
Scriptures That Help Me In Darkness
The following verses from the Bible offer words of comfort, assurance, and hope to those facing trials and challenges in their lives. They emphasize the presence and faithfulness of God, who hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from troubles. God is portrayed as a shield, a refuge, and a source of strength and comfort for those who seek Him. The verses encourage believers to cast their anxieties upon God, to find contentment in every situation, and to find rest in His presence. Overall, they affirm the unwavering love and care of God for His people, promising His guidance, provision, and eternal presence.
These Bible verses offer reassurance and comfort to those facing trials and challenges:
Psalm 34:17 - God hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from troubles.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - God goes before His people and promises never to leave or forsake them.
Psalms 3:3 - God is a shield and lifts up those who trust in Him.
Psalm 9:9 - God is a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold in times of trouble.
1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves before God, casting all anxieties upon Him, for He cares for you.
Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God comforts us in our troubles so that we may comfort others.
Philippians 4:12-13 - Through Christ, believers can find contentment and strength in any circumstance.
Matthew 11:28 - Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him.
Psalm 23 - God is depicted as a caring shepherd who provides, guides, and comforts His people, ensuring they lack nothing and dwell in His presence forever.
#CagedandLocked #CircumstantialDepression #Depression #SuicideAwareness #LewaUbunifu #DepressionIsReal #EmbracingTheDarkness #CircumstantialDepressionJourney #FindingLightWithin #NavigatingDepression #StrengthInStruggle #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #HopeInDarkness #EndTheStigma #KeepTalkingMH #SupportEachOther #EmpathyMatters #MentalHealthJourney #BreakTheSilence #HealingThroughWords
Comments