Dealing with Depression and Suicide in Today’s Heavy World. A Real Conversation About Mental Health

Hey Y’all, Let’s Start Here…

So, things feel kind of upside-down lately, right? There is weariness and heaviness that seems to be affecting more of us than we care to admit. With everything going on in the world—news coming at you from every direction, new tech, global problems, disasters, political insanity, the unknown variables of life just seem to be exploding…d it’s totally normal if you’re feeling more stressed, sad, or anxious. I want you to know right off the bat: you’re not alone. Let’s chat a bit about why so many folks are feeling this way and what we can do about it, okay?

What’s Really Going On?

Depression isn’t just some faraway thing—tons of people are dealing with it. Honestly, the last few years have been rough. There’s been a pandemic, jobs have been shaky, and sometimes it’s just hard to find solid ground. If you’ve been feeling lost, lonely, or down, that’s not your fault—and it’s not weird.

And you know, there’s been an uptick in depression and suicide, especially with all the extra pressure in the world. Young people are feeling it hard, Old people are feeling it hard, We all Are…  Even now, after the worst of COVID, and the instability we feel in day to day life a lot of us are carrying around stress and sadness that just won’t let go.

Why Do Things Feel So Heavy?

• Social Media Overload: Scrolling and seeing everyone’s “best life” can make anyone feel like they’re not measuring up. Plus, online dramas and bad news can be overwhelming.
• Money Stress: Worrying about bills, jobs, and the future? That kind of pressure adds up fast.
• Big World Problems: When you hear about wars, politics, or the climate, it can be tough not to feel powerless sometimes.
• Feeling Isolated: Even with all our apps, a lot of people feel more alone than ever. We need real connections, but sometimes they’re just hard to find.
• Getting Help Isn’t Always Easy: There’s still a stigma out there, and for some, getting help is expensive or confusing.

So, What Does Depression Actually Feel Like?

Depression isn’t just sadness that goes away after a good night’s sleep. It can mean dragging yourself through the day, losing interest in stuff you used to love, sleeping too much or too little, and feeling like you’re not good enough. It can get so heavy that some folks start thinking about giving up—but please, if that’s you, hang in there. You matter even when it’s hard to believe it.

Losing someone to suicide is devastating, and the ripples go far. That pain is why talking about this—and supporting each other—really matters. We need to check in with each other, watch our people, those we love, our friends. We are all at risk, some of us better off than others, but WE ALL MATTER.

Being young today comes with its own set of challenges. School, figuring out who you are, feeling pressure from all sides… it’s a lot. Bullying, whether in-person or online, doesn’t help. And sometimes, social media can make things both better and worse at once.
Our older people, of which I am one, need attention. They need to be thought of, checked on, and included in the act of living of life. Even if it’s only a phone call or a text. Reach out.

We need to realize that self-care is not an option but rather a necessity. That we are people who need connection with others. Even if that is dinner once a week or month, a text or call to make sure all is well, to catch up. Some people are screaming silently for someone to notice them, they feel invisible as we stare at our phones and walk blindly past.

THERE IS HOPE, we can be the hope for each other, we need to be…  In the last month where I live in Southeast Georgia, two lost souls have jumped from a bridge when they reached the end of wat they thought was possible… Two souls lost because no one heard them, saw them… It baffles me that in a time of such upheaval in society and the world, with the extreme issues that are becoming our new normal, that we are seemingly growing further apart.

What can you do? You can reach out, talk to someone, anyone, just reach out and speak up. Say it out loud to your doctor, your sister, your friend, anyone you can get to hear… I AM NOT OKAY!  Take care of yourself, treat yourself to something that makes you happy, go for a walk or a jog, go shopping, try a new restaurant, or buy a plant that works for me ! Rest when you are tired, turn off the phone, get away from the news, it’s not going anywhere, trust me, it will wait for you to come back.
BUT Most importantly… Know the Signs: If you or someone you love is showing signs of depression or talking about giving up, don’t wait. Get help. You deserve it.

We are all in this world together, If you’re feeling lost, remember you’re not broken and you’re definitely not alone. Life gets heavy for all of us sometimes. Compassion, reaching out, sticking together—those are ways we make it through. The world is wild, but with a little kindness and honesty, we can help each other out.

If you—or someone you care about—needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor, a trusted adult, or a helpline. You matter, and things can get better. Promise.