Ways to Help Support a Loved One With Depression

This is from experience as well as some research I've done over the past few weeks. As all my readers know, I personally suffer from Depression. It's been a very emotional road for me. I'm FINALLY in therapy and trying out different medications. But, that's not all that will help me get through this. The support of family and friends will only help the recovery (if possible) come faster or at least help get it under control faster.

1. Educate Yourself

How can one help when they're not sure what the person is going through? Find out facts. Know what isn't a fact. Learn the warning signs of suicide. By doing this, you may one day save that person's life.

2. Listen & Support

The best way for a person to over come or even ease depression is to have someone to talk to. Some one to confide in. When a person doesn't have that person/group, they can feel very alone in the world. Like they have no one to turn to. Don't wait on them to come to you. Make sure they know from you, that you're always there no matter what and if they ever need someone to talk to... you will listen. The best advice you can give.... NONE. Well, unless you're going through the same thing. You can always help the person find ways to see the better of their situation.

3. Continue the support no matter what!!!!

Don't be offended easily. If you're close to the loved one that is suffering, you may feel hurt because the person seems angry, emotional, and uncaring. Just remember, you're loved one cares... they just have a hard way to show it. Therefore, no matter what.... show you're support.



I write this with experience. These are all things I wish would happen for me or at least start showing somewhere for me. Remember, those with depression... aren't overly emotional by choice. They can't help the way they feel. The chemical imbalance within their brain takes control and the actions may not be realized until later on. Just remember: TRY to UNDERSTAND and SUPPORT them in every way you can. By doing this, you just may be saving their life, every day you show the understanding and support.

My Edits with Photos

Here are some random photos of family and friends.... What do you think?

I'm always up for editing photo's.... if you like what you see... let me know and I can edit some photo's for you. Comment me for more details.

Family Photos

So, I have all of our family photo's finished and I would love to share them with everyone. Comments are appreciated. I'd love to hear what you think.

Photos taken by: The Better Pic Photography    http://www.thebetterpic.smugmug.com/

Edited by: RaeBeth McGee (Myself)

A Poem to My Daughter

I found this poem online and I want to dedicate it to my daughter, Emma.

As I Watch You Grow

© Kay Theese

Do you know how much you mean to me?
As you grow into what you will be.
You came from within, from just beneath my heart
it's there you'll always be though your own life will now start.
You're growing so fast it sends me awhirl,
With misty eyes I ask, Where's my little girl?
I know sometimes to you I seem harsh and so unfair,
But one day you will see, I taught you well because I care.
The next few years will so quickly fly,
With laughter and joy, mixed with a few tears to cry.
As you begin your growth to womanhood, this fact you must know,
You'll always be my source of pride, no matter where you go.
You must stand up tall and proud, within you feel no fear,
For all you dreams and goals, sit before you very near.
With god's love in your heart and the world by its tail,
You'll always be my winner, and victory will prevail.
For you this poem was written, with help from above,
To tell you in a rhythm of your Mother's heartfelt Love!

Living With Depression and Anxiety (CONT)

As I previously posted, I suffer from Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I've seen some people comment on different websites that these disorders, are in fact not disorders at all. It's quite hard to understand what one is going though when they have been diagnosed with the disorders. My fiance and I were talking one afternoon following a therapy session. He really didn't understand what exactly I was going through. He even said that he sometimes thought that I was just being stubborn. As an example, when he was going to the store.... I always have a hard time bringing myself to go with him. He always thought that it was me being lazy and not wanting to leave the house. This wasn't the matter at all. When I step outside of my house, my heart rate quickens, I get "butterflies" in my belly, it feels hard to breath, and my palms began to sweat. This, by far, is NOT normal. No one should be afraid to walk outside of their home.

I do believe the result of this has been many different situations I've been in and what they have emotionally done to me. At the age of 18, I became pregnant. My fiance found a great paying job that allowed me to be a SAHM (stay at home mom). Of course, at first, I'd put my precious bundle of joy into her stroller and show her off to my neighbors. But then, it came time for use to move out of the town I pretty much grew up in. I didn't have a car nor did I have a license. The next place we moved too was in an area not suitable for a child to play outside. There wasn't a yard. And across the road was a mine. Once again, not suitable. Therefore, my daughter and I found other things within our tiny apartment to do.

Over time, we (my daughter and I) would get out of the house on pay day or when we decided to go stay over at family's houses. As time passed, we went outside less and less. Just a few weeks ago, I had an emotional break down. I didn't have any control over my emotions. I even recall saying if I had a gun...... and I'm sure you can figure out the rest.....

The following night, my fiance told me I needed to contact my Dr again. I needed my medication back regardless of the cost. Up to this point, I truly believe he was in with the crowd that think these disorders are just made up. When in fact, he witnessed it first hand. (As well as everyone else who was there the day I had the break down).

So, I ask all of you that doubt, to take a second and just try to understand that not all people can deal with the hard parts of life. As I once read: Depression isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you've tired to be strong for just too long. I totally believe this saying.

Blogging World

I'm not sure how everyone feels about this but.... I'm the type of blogger that loves reading blogs that deal with other bloggers lives. I love hearing stories about family, motherhood, children, pets, vacations, etc.  One thing that I've noticed is a huge mass of blogs just for reviews, free stuff, stuff on sale, contests, etc.... which I'm really not a fan of.

So, if anyone has any great blogs they follow that pertain to my interests, please direct me to them. Most blog hops that I've found are full of the type of blogs I'm really not interested in.

Those who follow me.... on my blogs and on twitter.... I follow back and comment often. Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day.

Camping Trip 2011

This past weekend, my fiance and I took a weekend trip with the family. We went camping. It was a blast. I just love watching all of our children playing together. It reminds me of when we all were little.

We all look forward to this every year. My Dad and step-mom get the same cabin every year. Normally, us girls (the sisters) would join them on a day and hang out. This year was my first year staying.

It was so nice. I wish I didn't have to leave. The daily stresses of life seem to disappear when we're there. The only thing I focus on is my daughter and her cousins. Watching them make memories that's going to last them a life time.

Even though each one (besides the baby) asked repeatedly to go to the park or down to the beach when all the adults were tired... I had a blast. It was the high light of my summer. Sitting here today, I really want to go back. I dont want to face the reality of life. Watching these girls swim, run, and play are my safe haven. I thank the Lord everyday for blessing me with such a wonderful family. I <3 them all.