WHELM

January 16th, 2010

\’welm\ v *1: to cover or engulf completely with usually disastrous effect 2: to overwhelm 3: to pass or go over something so as to bury or submerge it

During my many nights while watching television, alone, eating my “tv dinners”, I often see commercials for depression. This affliction affects many individuals, especially today, when certainty is definitely not guaranteed. The word, “whelm,” has many meanings that usually have a negative connotation. Depression can easily be described by all three definitions, however the one that really sticks out to this writer is “to pass or go over something so as to bury or submerge it.”
Everyone suffers from depression in a different way, but it could be said that a common characteristic is to feel as though one is invisible; that they do not feel as though they are noticed, fading into the proverbial woodwork. It could be said that people with depression feel trapped. When an attack happens, it is like they are being buried alive, to lost in their feelings to be able to shout for help. Depression can manifest itself in various ways and if bad enough, can have catastrophic results. The families of people with depression can also feel despair and hopelessness; with each crucial tick of the clock, the person they love is getting more and more lost. The image that comes to mind when thinking about depression is getting taken under by a gigantic wave, the possibility for air being reduced minute by minute that eventually, the light is gone and all hope is gone.


If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please go to www.spsfv.org or call Suicide Prevention Services at 1-630-482-9696.