Depression is a condition that is treatable through many methods, including medication, behavioral therapy and the complementary treatments of affirmative prayer, meditation, movement, exercise and massage, to name a few. I have used all of those for my clients. But, more importantly, I've used them for myself as well.

I've dealt with, and at times suffered from, chronic depression from the time I was a child. I'm 59 and I've allowed this condition to affect me in various forms for about 55 of those years.

I'm no longer ashamed to say so, any more than I would be "ashamed" to be dealing with diabetes, lung cancer, HIV/AIDS or any other physical disease. Just as these other physical ailments can be treated through Spirit, mind and body, so can depression.

We can't bring Robin Williams back. What we can do is to stop vilifying people who are experiencing depression and anxiety like they are some kind of weaklings. It's a disease and it’s highly treatable.

Wouldn't you rather be the catalyst to someone getting help with their depression, rather than yet another nail in the coffin by saying things like "Just pull yourself up from your boot straps," or "Get a grip!”

Know someone with depression? Reach out

If you are depressed for more than a few days without have recently experienced tremendous loss, reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. At their site you can find links to local organizations. 

Consider reaching out to a spiritual counselor who can assist you in dealing with your situation and help you realize you're not alone. Centers for Spiritual Living around the world have ministers and practitioners who can help you recognize the truth of who you are.  Find a center by clicking here. You don’t have to live near a center to find support.

A spiritual counselor should also be able to help you get further assistance from a licensed social worker, licensed professional counselor or other mental health professional. You can also make a request for confidential prayer support from the World Ministry of Prayer.

Being a spiritual being having a human experience means we must deal with all the human experience - all of it - even the parts we don't want to talk about.

You are not alone. There is a Power within us that is greater than us that knows exactly how to help us move forward in life. Open up to that Power within and allow it to guide you to the perfect person or right action to face whatever is standing in the way of your happiness.