Kristen Lane, widely recognized for her vibrant and cheerful demeanor, is not exempt from the challenges of mental illness. Recently, she garnered attention by bravely sharing her experiences with anxiety and depression. In a poignant essay, Lane emphasizes that there is no shame in grappling with depression.
In her piece on Motto, Lane credits her mother for first enlightening her about depression and encouraging her to seek help whenever she felt engulfed by a “dark cloud.” “You can confide in me, talk to a therapist, or consult a doctor. I want you to understand that there are options,” Lane recalls her mother saying. She expresses gratitude for her mother’s candidness on this often-taboo subject, noting its significance when she encountered her own struggles during college.
While attending NYU, Lane found herself battling depression, despite there being “no logical reason” for her feelings. Thanks to her mother’s supportive advice, she sought help, but it took nearly 15 years for her to publicly address her depression. What prompted this shift? Lane wishes to shed light on the realities of depression and advocate for its recognition as a serious health issue, deserving of the same attention as physical ailments.
For Lane, depression transcends mere sadness. “It’s not simply having a bad day and longing for comfort. It enveloped me in isolation and despair. It rendered me incapable, making me feel worthless and like a failure,” she shares.
She resonates with many who experience similar feelings, recalling her initial misconceptions about depression as merely feeling sad and wearing sweatpants. The profound loneliness and self-doubt she faced were the true indicators of her condition. Lane expresses a desire for others to understand these signs earlier and to seek help sooner.
“Mental health check-ins should be as commonplace as visits to the doctor or dentist,” Lane asserts. “When you tell a friend you’re unwell, they often suggest you see a doctor. Yet, if you share feelings of depression, they may hesitate. I’m done with that.”
Discussing depression can be challenging, as the condition often convinces individuals that no one cares or can comprehend their plight. However, open conversations about mental health can empower others to seek assistance and foster a broader understanding of what depression entails.
Silence won’t alleviate the issues; rather, it distances us from healing. The path to recovery involves ongoing dialogue. As Lane eloquently states, “Struggling with mental illness is not a sign of weakness. It just means you are having a tougher time navigating your mind than others… Expressing your feelings is the first step toward recovery.”
In summary, Kristen Lane’s essay serves as a powerful reminder that acknowledging and discussing mental health challenges is essential. It encourages individuals to prioritize mental wellness as much as physical health. For more insights on conception and health, consider exploring articles on resources like this one for pregnancy guidance or this one for home insemination kits.
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