Depression or mental health issues are a problem that affects more people the many of us may realize.
Some of the happiest people on the outside are actually struggling internally with negative thoughts, whether they be of worthlessness, being self-conscious, or simply feeling like no one really cares about them.
This is a sentiment that Manitowoc Pastor Matt Sauer recently echoed while speaking with Seehafer News. He said that some people may simply refer to it as “the blues” or by saying they “feel down in the dumps”. While most of us have coping mechanisms to deal with depressive episodes, Sauer said “There are times when no matter how healthy, how strong, how loved we are, that some of us fall into a deeper moment where it is hard to get out of that.”
Our own Ryan Brahm recently opened up about that very issue, in a story you can click here to read. However, for most people, talking about their depression is a very hard thing to do, and part of that is due to the stigma surrounding the topic. Sauer said he believes that stigma is “one of the reasons we see some of the acts of violence, whether that be toward one’s self in the completion of suicide, or acting out toward others with some of these domestic violence issues as well as public violence.”
Sauer said that he is always available to be a shoulder to cry on or an ear to vent into, but did suggest that if you are having serious thoughts about harming yourself or others that you seek professional help from a psychologist. One option you have is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The number for them is 800-273-8255.