And So You Are Blue?

Those who know me know that my all-time favorite show is Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck. This program is centered around a New York family with multi-generational family members serving on the police force. This Irish-American family centers their values around family, loyalty, commitment to each other, and duty. Their Sunday dinners portray a family that believes in and supports one another regardless of the cost. Each episode is based on current everyday life situations and how they band together through family devotion to show love by merely showing up. Though we all do not come from a family of origin like the Reagans, I find that it portrays a set of values we should model.

Depression doesn't always present itself as someone walking around who is disheveled. Quite often the contrary. There are a lot of individuals who have a good poker face and hide it quite well. Trust me; as a therapist, no one is exempt from depression in some form. Some individuals don't have family or friends anywhere close to the characters on the show. Truth. Finding someone to talk to who truly has your back is quite a gift and hard to find. Let me be the first to tell you there is not much I would not give to be a character on that show or have situations like that, which are resolved in 60 minutes. However, life doesn't work that way.

Let me tell you, being in my life at times, especially now, is hard. Not many individuals often want to hear about your latest depression 'bout on a random Sunday afternoon when you are missing your spouse or the glory days. Depression can be a lonely and isolating road for a lot of people. Moreover, being a therapist doesn't give you a get-out-of-jail card regarding mental health. I laugh so hard when people think that. I often want to say, "Bless you, if only." If I had a dime for every client who looked at me and assumed that not only am I free from the grasp of depression and mental health, but that I am wealthy, I would not be hurting for money. Tesla, here I come, yes, please. This therapist will be the first to tell you I struggle with my mental health; I drive a 10+-year-old car with rust beginning to form on the bottom, I have seen a therapist, and yes, I struggle at the grocery store like the next guy. Friendship problems with a headstrong best friend (she knows she's loved, and she says with love and humor. See, I might even be in trouble for that humor. Sorry, not sorry), marital issues, self-isolation issues, and family blunders. I mean, some of the crap I go through, if it doesn't border on complete nuts, it's humorous. Seriously, what is the c.o.w. now (crisis of the week)? Trust me; my family is far from the Reagans; we put the fun in dysfunctional. At this point, I should either be a comedian for the endless amount of material I have or continue in the qualified life of therapeutic intervention. Or, at the very least, begin writing a sitcom. I Love Lucy would have nothing on my life. Even some of the crap I have been through with my friend would be hum...well, for the sack of judgment and professional appearance, I will stop there. Let's say overly humorous, adventurous, questionable, and I Love Lucy situational... oh, the crap we got into. Don't judge; you've had bordering humorous legal adventures too. You know who you are.

There are times that even when I am struggling with my issues, however listening to someone else gives me a different perspective. I try my best to practice the art of gratitude. Things most definitely could be a lot worse for me. My husband cared enough about me to see that I was provided enough to make it; I live in a nice place and have a lot to be thankful for. Even situations I can laugh at with my family, or highly complex friendships. (insert Lucy face) If you are struggling and need help and cannot find someone, remember the mental health hotline is 9-8-8. I started this blog with the idea that I could help someone find humor somewhere in their life, even if it is laughing at my crazy, bordering on ridiculously nutty life. Find a Lucy or Ethel and give thanks if you have a Reagan family or Ethel friend. Even if it is not even close, you can find some sort of support. Support groups, therapy, making social connections, church, or religious practice. Get out and Lucy that. Trust me; you will be glad you did. Either way, find a way to be social. Life is not lived inside a vacuum. (says the person who hates being anything that resembles social).

Photo Credit: people.com