I noticed at Comics Alliance a nice article on Boggle the Owl. This is a great blog for those of us who struggle with depression.
I have, throughout my life, dealt with severe depression. For most of my life it was un-diagnosed. When I finally got help, it was still a very difficult thing to live with and I know both before and after I got help, I hurt people I cared about to the point that I pretty much destroyed my life. I really wish I had known about or found the Boggle site, as much of what he says would have helped me out. I’m in a much better place with my life now, but the pain and suffering both I and those around me went through is something I have to live with for the rest of my life.
If you know someone with depression, or if you suffer from it yourself, please follow this advice: first, go see a doctor…don’t be shy. They will not tell you to “get over it” any more than they would tell you to “get over” a sprained ankle or sinus infection. Second, take a look at Boggle, and really read what it’s saying. Yes, it’s a cartoon, but sometimes that’s what you need. Absurdity can pierce the darkest depression, trust me.
For those wondering about yours truly, I’m doing very well. I have been able to be off medication for about a year now (there is NOTHING wrong about being on medication for depression; it’s no more wrong than taking antibiotics for an infection!), and I’m generally happy with my work and with my life. More importantly, I know things get better, no matter how bad they may seem. But if I can help others who are in the dark like I was, I would do so in a heartbeat. You never know just how low you can sink until you have hurt people you love and they can literally no longer stand to be around you.
