The Silent Slip Into Depression

Some people think that when you start getting depressed, you start by having "bad days." That you notice that things are starting to go south. But it's slower than that, it's more subtle. Stealthy even. It starts by taking a little bit longer to get to sleep. Or by skipping meals, you just didn't notice it was lunch time. You just weren't hungry. You don't go out to do things because you're having car problems, or the price of gas is just too much, or you're swamped with so many other things. Maybe you go out for a drink, and have just one more, because you're out, and having a good time. 

Silent, little slips. 

And before you know it, those 15 more minutes it takes to get to sleep, or to wake up in the morning becomes chronic insomnia, and you can't get to sleep without a couple of drinks, or a pill. You've stopped eating, anorexia they call it. But nobody notices because you've stopped going out all together. You've isolated yourself. And that one more drink becomes day drinking, or binge drinking. Self-medicating. Alcoholism.

I used to think I was pretty good at self regulating. Noticing the little things that indicated I was getting depressed again. And taking the proper steps to fix it. I was wrong. Not because I'm not strong enough, or smart enough.

But because it's difficult. 

Silent. 

And some of the smallest slips. 

Something bad happens, you break up with your significant other, your car breaks down, you get sick, your friends get busy, you get busy, you have a cash crunch, bills pile up. And getting sad about these things is okay. It's normal, and natural. 

But afterwards, you need to recover. And always, you need to take care of yourself. Regular meals, regular sleep, regular social interactions.

Combat the silent slip into depression with the vocal cry for help. 

The intentional step up. 

Be silent no longer. 

And climb back up.