Saturday, March 28, 2020 – Depression/Anxiety/Suicidal

I walk with my friend Marilu Cleaver today (who lives nearby). We find a pink spiral notebook thrown out open in a parallel parking space along the street. The title on the open page is “Manifestation.” Marilu turns the page with her foot, and the words “Depression/Anxiety/Suicidal” loom large. Have you ever felt depressed, anxious or suicidal? Most of us have been anxious or depressed. Some of us feel this way about the coronavirus. Imagine having a whole other layer of stress on top of it.

This young woman named Tina endured some terrifying times. From the notebook: “The world is shutting down and people are told to stay inside while I’m homeless/living in my rental car along with everything I own in three trash bags in the trunk. Mom keeps calling and worrying me. I have to continue to lie about having a home.” Later entries show that she was considering suicide with lethal chemicals. Marilu took the notebook to the Addison Police Department just in case Tina’s mother contacted them. I pray that Tina found the resources she needed.

We are living in an entirely different world compared to three weeks ago. Don’t let the change defeat you. Seek out resources if you are feeling depressed. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Or you can go to its website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. It is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year service in English and Spanish.

Here’s another link from WebMD with more resources: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-resources#1.

Seek help from professionals and from those who support you. I like a recent post I shared on Facebook from Stan Copeland, senior minister at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church: Today the devil whispered in my ear, “You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.” I whispered, “Get six feet back idiot!”