No Way Out

We all know someone who has been depressed before. We might have experienced depression ourselves. Being stressed out has become a integral part of life for many. Possibly we are withdrawn and feeling numb inside. Stress can be a result of many everyday occurrences. Financial problems, getting in debt or overextended, is a stressor most of us have shared with millions. The loss of a loved one, a marriage or breakup is a common stressor. A change in circumstances, an eviction notice or your home being foreclosed upon, car repossessed and homelessness have become commonplace as well. Going through bankruptcy, a pay cut, layoff at work or having to suspend further education due to lack of funds has touched many lives. These stressors are not rare but as a community we see them happening daily. Society as a whole expects us to just move on and deal with these ups and downs with little or no effect on our mental and physical well being. I specifically use these terms, because often this toll greatly effects the individual and then is ignored. As we take our health for granted and are ashamed of the stigma attached to any kind of mental health issue, we overlook the consequences of everyday stress.