Showing posts with label self infliction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self infliction. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Out of the normal but part of me!

I know this post may be out of the norm but I guess I tend to do that from time to time.  I have really been thinking today about my favorite weatherman here in Kansas City, Don Harman...he passed away yesterday and although the station isn't releasing reasons due to the family privacy it has been speculated that it was suicide.
Don Harman, the best and most hilarious meteorologist ever!

I read Facebook comments, Google + posts, tweets and listened to folks around the office say the usual "he was so happy and funny, I just can't believe he'd do that."  Although, I sure hope Don didn't commit suicide I also realize it's sad and possible.  I  have wondered all day if he did commit suicide, did he suffer from depression that perhaps no one knew about it?  Often those who don't or have never suffer from depression don't understand the condition and the feelings a person has associated with it.


I guess the reason why this hit home for me is I was diagnosed with depression last year.  People joke and laugh at the depression commercials but quite honestly they are accurate.  There have been several times (lasting weeks, months)  that I have felt empty inside, total loneliness, hopelessness, unloved etc and from my outside appearance i'm fine.  I even have jokes to throw out as to divert the attention off of my feelings so no one will know how inferior I feel etc. It's effected a lot of my relationships, negatively.

Depression is no joke! It doesn't mean a person is weak or anything like we tend to feel. It's taken me a while to realize that!

However, like any other disease or disorder you have to fight, sadly some folks don't have the fight in them and the depression wins and they end up taking their own lives, turns to drugs etc, or just living a miserable life. It is very tiring to deal with, I can attest to that.  In most cases you feel like you are running a mental and emotional marathon all day while on a roller coaster.  If that makes any sense.






I send my condolences and prayers  to the Harman Family and especially his daughter who won't really get to know how hilarious and talented her dad was in person and how many people he touched.  I have got a laugh from him everyday! I remember the news anchors would be reporting on a serious story and he would just randomly walk across the back drop in something random like a pirate hat like they weren't on air, then look surprised when they called him out lol! Or when the morning anchors had a rally insisting viewer write in so Don would get rid of his old beat up1979 Buick and he refused then thank goodness he finally let them destroy his car for charity and he was forced to get a new one and they had a party on air! Also, when he broke into normal broadcasting during a snow storm to update and he started off by saying "SLOW THE HELL DOWN that's why traffic is bad its snowing for crying out loud!" LOL, He will be deeply missed by our community!!


Now, if you think you are suffering from depression or are having anxiety issues, I urge you to talk to someone you can start with your doctor. Get a plan in place to battle it.  We can't let depression win and steal our happiness!! We must be victorious...to those who feel there is no end in sight... I say be encouraged! You are not alone even when you feel you are God is always, always with you! There are also several support groups etc. Please seek help and pray!!


Here are some links to information regarding depression and even tests to take online to see if you may be suffering from depression or on the road to it as well as suicide chat and hotline.

http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
http://www.depression-screening.org/depression_screen.cfm
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/


Blog ya later