"It Is Okay To Be Not Okay"

 Good Day my fellow crafters, friends, followers and viewers.

Today is Monday, August 31, 2020.  The last day of August.  We shall commence with September on tomorrow.  The time doesn't feel as if it is moving at a face pace as it was last year.  Could it be that the pandemic has something to do with it or is it my imagination?

My question for your consideration is:  How can you tell if a person is really, really okay?  Their response to you may be one thing but the way they act or their actions tell a different story.  Is he/she depressed and don't want to get help or just don't want you to know the true answer.  Depression strikes millions each year, often with debilitating consequences. This psychological disorder is so common that it is sometimes referred to as the "common cold" of mental health, with nearly 10% of the population suffering from a depressive disorder at any given time. (source: National Institute of Mental Health).  Depression is classified in a number of ways: major depression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia (a milder form of bipolar), dysthymia (or chronic depression), postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Each one presents different symptoms and represents a distinct diagnosis. 

Are you or someone you know depressed?  Do you/they have difficulty falling asleep at night?  How often do you/they feel tired and run-down?  Do you/they often feel that life is not worth living?  In the last six months, have you/they gained a lot of weight or lost a lot (not due to dieting)?  How would you rate your/their daily levels of stress and anxiety?   Do you/they experience any delusions or hallucinations?  Do you/they "put on a happy face" to hide feelings of sadness?  How would you/they describe your/their mood over the past several months?  Have you/they been though a recent traumatic event, such as divorce, death of a loved one, or losing your job?

My desire for you or someone you know that is dealing in the area of depression, is to be HAPPY.  Nothing I can do or say can make you happy.  As a matter of fact happiness is an inside job.  You already have everything that you need in order to be happy and live an extraordinary life. It resides within you. In the words of Democritus, “Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold. Happiness dwells in the soul.”

A card expressing my commentary for today and others that you've missed if not on Instagram:

I used Ciao Bella "Tango" and Studio Light "Art by Marlene" to create this card.  It will be shared on https://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com

posted on Instagram from 8-20 through  8-28-2020

If someone you know is truly depressed and they need help...no matter how much they keep saying "I'm okay...help them get treatment.  It is okay to be not okay.

Thank you so much for your continued support and love.

Sending a hug and love,

Lois