Join me and @pushinglovely for #dayoflight

Say it Rah-shay By Feb 02, 2014 40 Comments

dayoflightcover

Join Pushing Lovely and me on the #DayOfLight, Wednesday, February 5th. We are taking to social media to bring depression out of the dark.

 

What is Depression?

 

Depression is a common but serious mental illness typically marked by sad or anxious feelings. These feelings tend to linger for periods longer than 2 weeks at a time and interfere with daily activities. Depression does not discriminate based on age, race, gender or sexuality.

 

You are not alone.

 

Depression is often an illness of isolation. People suffer in silence, and frequently feel as if they are alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) more than 20 million people in the United States suffer from depression. Join Pushing Lovely as we work together to bring depression out of the dark and declare February 5th, 2014 the #DayOfLight.

 

What is #DayOfLight?

 

#DayOfLight was created to shine a light on depression, and share resources for those who are struggling with the mental illness. Bloggers from all over the country are collaborating on Wednesday, February 5th to flood social media with personal stories about living with depression, and accurate information on managing and living with the mental illness.

 

How Can You Participate?

  • Write a blog post sharing your personal experience of depression and/or share resources to help others. Add the #DayOfLight hashtag in your post title.
  • Watch the #DayOfLight Google Hangout on Wednesday, February 5th at 11 AM EST. Tweet and ask questions.
  • Participate in the #DayOfLight twitter chat on Wednesday, February 5th at 9 PM EST. Follow @PushingLovely@NotoriousSpinks, and @BrandiJeter for more information)
  • Turn your social media avatars black and white on Wednesday, February 5th so we can visually represent all of those affected by depression.
  • Share inspiring tweets, posts, and photos on social media to encourage those who are suffering with depression to let them know that they are not alone. Use the hashtag #DayOfLight

Thank you for sharing and participating.

Author

I am mom, daughter, sister, yarn lover, word lover, crazy cat lady and library chick. Find me with book or with hook and a hot cuppa.

40 Comments

  1. Lawna says:

    A close family member of mine has been dealing with depression. I think it’s great that people who are suffering from depression seek resources such as this one.

  2. Ronnie says:

    As someone who has been diagnosed as having clinical depression, what can I say beyond … it sucks. Some days my life is as good as over.. that’s how bad it gets. I have to force myself out of bed, I have no energy.. I’ve learned that the best way to beat my depression is to keep myself constantly busy and motivated to do things. It keeps my mind distracted. This is a wonderful initiative, Rachee! <3

  3. I suffered from this in college! It was not fun, and definitely not me! I don’t know where it came from! What a great program, the #Dayoflight!

  4. Amber Nelson says:

    This is great. Thanks for posting this. There is such a stigma surrounding mental illness. We need to bring this to light for sure because there are so many people suffering and afraid to come forward for help.

  5. So glad to be a part of the Pushing Lovely community and a part of this much-needed initiative! #DayOfLight

  6. Nicole Haas Etolen says:

    This is fantastic. I suffered from depression most of my teen and early adult life. Even now, it still comes back too often.

  7. I don’t always have severe bouts with it but I do take something to keep it at bay. I totally appreciate this project you’re working on. We are NOT alone!

  8. Theresa says:

    This is great that a light is being shed on this subject. All too often depression is pushed aside by those who don’t understand it. I have a cousin who suffers severe bouts with depression, and it really takes it’s toll on the whole family!

  9. Michele says:

    This is an extremely important subject and should be brought to light and discussed. I just read a book which outlines this disease in story form-the review will be on my blog on 2/20 -the book is titled “A Prison of Lies.” A must read for anyone who truly wants an understanding of how this really feels.

  10. I don’t know if I would be diagnosed as depressed, but I definitely have moments where I feel like I am irritable and feel like all my hard work is for nothing.

  11. kay adeola says:

    I think everyone goes through times where feeling depressed comes in but for people that have been diagnosed there should be more written and shared about it thank you for sharing.

  12. Sounds great, I would love to participate but one day off will through my whole week off! I like the concept!

  13. Trisha says:

    What a great way to promote awareness on this very serious issue. I think it’s so important for people to know that they’re not alone and that it’s ok to discuss your feelings.

  14. Definitively sharing this around. It is wonderful that you bring depression to the forefront

  15. Jeannette says:

    I love this idea and the drive to make people aware of depression! I’m in!

  16. Melanie says:

    Thanks for sharing this I will defiantly share it with others. A lot of people aren’t even aware they have depression and when they do find out it can be overwhelming

  17. Sarah-Louise Bailey says:

    What a great idea – I shall try and get something done as I have long suffered myself – definitely a great topic to get talking about 😀 x

  18. Mina Slater says:

    Thank you for doing this & helping to increase the awareness about depression. It’s such an awful thing to experience & it feels even worse when people don’t understand and think you can just turn it off like a light switch! I’ve been there. Thank you!

  19. Nicole Adkisson says:

    Depression is a good thing to focus on. I'm sure there are a lot of people suffering from this.

  20. Ironically I just wrote about my depression today (after 9 months of not writing) and happened on your Facebook update sharing this. Amazing how life works sometimes. I will be sharing, of course!

  21. This is such a powerful campaign. It is a great way to bridge the gap between those suffering and those who love them and help bring awareness to what is going on. Depression is so hard to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it and just doesn’t know how to help.

  22. Terry says:

    I am not normally depressed, but I have had my days and feel for those who have to deal with this daily.

  23. We just had a day here in Canada to talk about Depression. It hurts everyone

  24. Pam W says:

    Having been depressed, this is a very personal topic for me. I think it’s great that people are focusing on it, because it is often misunderstood.

  25. I love when bloggers come together to bring awareness to things like this. It is so nice to share and hear stories and know you are not alone.

  26. Amanda Love says:

    That is such a great idea. I suffered with post partum depression after I had my toddler and I didn’t have the help I need at the time. It’s great to have a support channel and this sounds like it will be a great one for others.

  27. I want to join in this – I’d probably set a date for me to make this out on my blog.

  28. Veronica says:

    There are a lot of people struggling with depression and we as loved ones always feel so helpless. I think we can just be there for them

  29. Teddy Out Ready says:

    It is a great idea to bring this topic out of the dark, in depression all the ways are good to end it up and give some encouragement and support. #DayOfLight

  30. Ashley Wintters says:

    This is great! People always have such a horrible outlook on anyone with depression so people I know are afraid to admit they are depressed.

  31. My mother suffered from depression during our entire childhood so I know the impact that it has on families.

  32. amanda @attachedmoms says:

    What a great cause. Depression is so real and something often hidden.

  33. I suffer from seasonal depression, this is such a great idea! It is an feeling of alone illness.

  34. Ashley Gill says:

    Depression can ruin so many lives. My mom suffered from it but managed it. Depression can also be a side effect from my auto immune disease, so I fight it every day. Thank you for this post!

  35. becca says:

    wow definitively sharing this around. It is wonderful that you bring depression to the forefront most people don’t realize it’s a true disease and can be difficult to deal with

  36. I think people are talking more and more about depression. Before it was so taboo. So many people suffering and too ashamed to seek help!

  37. Fantastic to bring light (literally and figuratively) to this topic! Thank you!

  38. What a great concept.. loved your post I have autoimmune disease and know all to well about depression..thanks for sharing

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