No fashion or girl talk today, because I’ve decided to cover something way more important that has been rolling around in my head for a few days. For the first time that I can ever remember since Amber Academy started, I’m using a Wednesday for something other than feminization. And for those wondering, I’m ok. But this needs to be said.
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I recently got some news about someone I used to know that I had not spoken to for a handful of years. Despite time and distance, we were still loosely connected through our social circles. And no, he was never a lover. But he was a good guy and one of those people that you could pick right back up with even after a long time of not talking.
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Always smiling, this man took pride in his health and appearance, was respected by many people, and he always seemed ‘up’ and ‘positive’. Full of good advice and life experience, he was also a smartass and pretty old-school….which might have made him a square if he hadn’t been so damn cool. But he was also depressed and didn’t tell anyone….not his wife and certainly not his pals.
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I’m a little jarred, I won’t lie. No one is ready to hear that someone they’ve cared about isn’t here anymore. Sadly, this was a silent issue bubbling just below the surface and he wouldn’t have wanted anyone to make a fuss. This guy wasn’t really one to talk about feelings. We now know that his confident smile and ‘kick-ass-and-take-names’ attitude was sometimes a cover and he finally got tired of pretending.
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There’s alot going on right now in the world. It’s overwhelming and tedious and it’s testing our sanity level. Depression is real. Situational depression is real. And maybe it’s been with you for a while and you’ve been trying to manage it but it now has you teetering dangerously close to the edge. It’s ok to not be ok. It doesn’t make you stupid or weak. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 800 273 8255 if you need to talk to someone.
And please check in on your friends.
Amber,
I’m saddened for a few reasons. Yes, depression is real. VERY real. These times only stand to perpetuate it. I agree that we need to take care of each other. The signs are there. Unfortunately, some depressed folks do not Feel they can ask for help for a multitude of reasons. I do not have the answer on how to cure or successfully deal with depression. But I do know that staying positive and strong is a good step. Connecting with loved ones is a must. We ALL have our breaking points, Amber. It’s not weak or pathetic to be vulnerable or to need help. It’s human. Being there for a loved one…or a stranger is the best thing we can do right now. Tomorrow it may be you or me that needs a little support. All we can do is beat the support drum loudly and consistently. The life we save may be our own.
Thank you so much for bringing this up! I hope my fellow kinksters agree with me.
❤❤❤