Ahh…my old nemesis, depression. He and I have a long, sordid, complicated relationship, but I’ll get to that in a moment, Minions. First, I want to tell you why I’m blogging about depression today.
On Facebook, a Minion said this:
hi auntie heather i have a question for you, when you where younger and battling depression how did you overcome it? I’ve been battling depression on and off for years now and it always seems to creep up on me. can you please tell me your awesome super ways of battling depression? thanks.
I’ve been receiving similar emails and messages and tweets for some time, so I thought it might be something we should discuss. But first, what is depression? According to our good buddy Merriam Webster, it’s
(1) : a state of feeling sad : dejection (2) : a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies
And the U.S. National Library of Medicine describes depression as something like this:
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.
True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.
But we can all agree that depression – whether major or minor sucks. Big time. And if you think depression is a myth, or something easy to experience, then you can just stop reading right here. Because it’s not. It’s awful. I know first hand, as do many Minions, and it’s time we discuss it. (except, of course, for the aforementioned doubters – you can all go frolic through a field of wildflowers – P.S. watch out for Cecile)
Now, Minions, go back up and reread that Minion’s question. Then I’ll answer it. No worries! I’ll wait. *hold music plays*
Back now? Cool. Because here’s the truth. And the truth, my Minions, my quirky little fans, my omnipotent, tiny lil gods, is something that your Auntie Heather will always give you. Because, while make believe is fun, the truth is important. And speaking the truth is the most important thing.
So…when I was younger and battling depression, how did I overcome it? Good question. It shows this Minion has been paying attention. Maybe they’ve heard me talk about my depression before, or maybe they just realize that most people go through it at one time or another. Regardless, it’s a good question. How did I? Well…the truth is…not very well. Not at first.
See, I had a fairly chaotic childhood. Five house fires. A lot of moving around (mostly due to those fires). Tumultuous family relationships. An intense amount of bullying. I wasn’t happy. And at the same time, I was convinced that I was somehow…wrong…weird, a freak, broken…for feeling the way that I did. I became suicidal, and felt like maybe the world would be a better place without me.
Can you imagine that, Minions? A world without your Auntie Heather? No Minion Horde. No Vlad. No Joss. No books. No jokes about bacon and its involvement in our eventual world domination. Scary, right?
But that’s what depression (my old nemesis) does. He whispers things into your ear – words that fill you will self-doubt; words that inspire loneliness, anger and frustration. He lies to you, Minions. Depression will do anything to get into your head, and it’s not always easy to get him to shut up.
I’m very lucky for two things: 1) That I am stubborn and 2) That I dislike pain. They saved my life. Mostly that first one, I think. Because if I’d taken my own life – if I’d done the most selfish, horrible thing I can imagine and committed suicide, then the bullies would have won. I would have just given in, given up without a fight…and your Auntie, Minions, she’s a fighter. There was no way I was letting my tormentors win.
But it wasn’t ~just~ stubbornness and fear of pain that saved me. It was those things that kept the Dark Place at bay for a while. Until I met other people like me, other freaky weirdos who totally dug my freaky weirdness. I started talking about my feelings, about being depressed, about the Dark Place. And they understood. And slowly, my depression went away.
Sure, he rears his ugly head up now and again. I just recently had a major bout of self doubt (oooh, a rhyme!), but that wasn’t me talking and I know it. It was Depression’s voice, whispering in my ear again. Lying. Again.
And he always will. I just have to see through his lies. Because I’m worth the fight. I’m the supreme ruler of the Minion Horde – the coolest people I know, and I’ll be damned if some stupid little whisper in my ear is going to keep me down.
So how do I face depression now? I named him. His name is “Fuddy”. And whenever he starts whispering, I roll my eyes and say (yes, out loud), “Shut up, Fuddy!” and I instantly feel a bit better. Because I’m stubborn. And I’m not going to let any bully – particularly one who lives inside my skull – win. Ever.
And you shouldn’t either.
For more information on depression, what it is, and how to handle it, please go HERE, and if you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-SUICIDE right away and speak to someone about those feelings.
Also – and this is important, Minions – please understand that, to some, the only method of dealing with it is medication. And there’s not a damn thing wrong with that.
Tags: 1-800-SUICIDE, bullying, depression
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Thank you Auntie Heather! I am currently battling depression and anxiety; not a fun combination. I take medication to help me, but they are (very slowly) going away. Thank you Auntie Heather, for being the most awesomest, fangtastic overlord in the universe.
Really? Depression can do all that? Then Am I just depressed??!? I thought I was yea as you said… broken… Soooo Should I take pills cuz I really want it to go away cuz I’ve been like this for a year and a half and it totally SUCKS!!
Or idk I’ll name my depression… You’ll be called from now on…. Philip.
Thanks Auntie :3.
…… Thanks Auntie. It made me feel a bit better. …….
P.S. How bad does it need to get before you should… you know, get stuff for it and maybe tell people?….
P.S. How bad does it need to get before… you know, you get meds for it and… maybe tell people?
~Tash
You should tell someone right away, and if you thinknyou might require medication, please talk to a parent or guardian about seeing a professional.
Thank you for this post, Auntie. I’m sure it helped a lot of your minions
I personally am not depressed but my mom and my best friend both have been, and I know from experience that it affects the people around you as well as yourself. I’m glad that I don’t have to battle my own “Fuddy” now, but if I’m ever at a time in my life when he pops up, I’ll know there are people like you and other minions who understand.
Your an awesome person! Honestly I’ve dealt with this a couple years ago, and the only reason i never really go back to it is my friends, and the thought of them being upset about losing me.
I also cope with mine by writing. Stories, and mostly poetry in particular when I’m in a bad mood, so that way i can express my feelings.
Very well written, Auntie Heather.
Throughout my whole life, depression has come and gone… and sometimes i asked myself why? I dont understand why i should be feeling this way since my life is wonderful…but i guess in a way i always saw myself as not perfect (i still do somewhat). Like i didnt belong in this wonderful life of mine… and soon the negative thoughts piled up and then that’s when depression started to show its face more frequently… Now that the years passed, i have been fighting a battle with my own mind. I’m really trying to fight it because i dont want to always be like this forever; i want to be an awesome peep like you in the future. I actually have so many dreams i want to accomplish…but for some reason i feel like i cant do it…And now it’s becoming worse in my senior year of H.S. I have been thinking badly, sleeping a lot (which i have never done before D: ), ignoring school work, and like i gained so much weight from just piling food in my mouth for no reason…my body just shuts down on me when it has had enough of everything.. its been a struggle, but i still have to thank you for those inspiring words of yours, Auntie. I know others suffer from this too and i know we can fight this off. Im going to call my depression “sneaky” :3 and be like “Sneaky you better leave me or else i will destroy you with happy thoughts!” LOLZ. Thankies auntie. I wont give up.
Ive never gone through depression, but reading your books and your posts i think i understand the concept. It is a truly horrible thing. and i worry that later on in my life i will go through it, especially since i might moved like 8 hours away from the town im currently living in. at the least. Thank you for the post, it helps
I havent dealt with it but it is good to know you care.
Depression is horrible, and I hate every second of it. I wish I could fix it, but I can’t. So I just ride through it. I take a day to relax or spend time with my beloved Z. I love reading too, especially the Vlad books.
Thanks for the advice. Its always comforting to know I’m not alone.
Depression doesn’t only hurt you, it will hust those close to you. Even if you personally never experience depression, you may be hurt by it through someone else. Depression can just go in a corner and DIE! To make someone feel like they need to take their life is wrong so depression can just go to H-E-double-hockey-sticks!
auntie heather is right i have had depression and it sometimes catches me off gaurd. so when auntie heather tells us something she is olny telling the truth and watching out for us minions and we should respect that after all we are her minions for a reason are we not.
(///_-)
Thank you so much Auntie Heather. I’d say you have no idea how much this means to people for you to say this, but I think you do. So many people love and respect you and it means so much for you to say this. Thank you.
i know how you guys feel. i have chronic tension headaches, so i also feel internal pain. and it sucks. big time. and when i complain, i never seem to complain about anything else, they think i didn’t take MY medication. but i do. every night. even if its out of my way. i somehow do. but it really ticks me off when they get upset that i complain. about my head hurting. it makes no sense whatsoever. why are people like that? and if any of yo
i know how you guys feel. i have chronic tension headaches, so i also feel internal pain. and it sucks. big time. and when i complain, i never seem to complain about anything else, they think i didn’t take MY medication. but i do. every night. even if its out of my way. i somehow do. but it really ticks me off when they get upset that i complain. about my head hurting. it makes no sense whatsoever. why are people like that? and if any of you have chronic tension headaches, you probably know how i feel about this? Aunty heather, if you could somehow go back in time and have chronic tension headaches, then speed up the future to know, and didn’t have depression, would today, you be writing about this instead? or about a different book you somehow thought of instead of soulbound, CVT or the Slayer Chron.? to me, as i’m rambling on about this, think it a good thing that we have one more overcomer of depression and suicide. So, thankyou. for many things. here’s my list
1.) for living your life to the fullest so far
2.) for writing one of my favorite books series of all time. it’s one of my favorites. i have multiple.
3.) for caring about what we think and our experiences
4.)for thinking about cool stuff to do with bacon
(here’s another, Van Goghs Starry Night, there’s a picture of it on Google made out of BACON, it’s awesome!)
5.) for becoming a writer, a blogger, so that others can share their voices with someone they don’t have to embarresed to talk to.
but thanks. for all you do.
i’m glad you do it! 
oh. and sorry for the above text thing i accidently hit it twice…
Thank you. It’s good to know somebody can win against the Minion Horde’s public enemy #1.
I am currently battling with depression and anxiety, it really is horrible. It has completely shut me down. I don’t know how I’m going to deal with but I know that I will, and that I can. Some days (weeks) feel like there is no hope and then my natural optimism pops up and takes control , not for long but savor ever minute of it. Even if it last for an hour, it gives me hope that I can break through and be the person I really and who I want to be.
Thank you Auntie Heather for renewing my hope, I truly think you are incredible!!
thanks auntie:)
I went through a depression a year ago, it sucked. One terrible thing happnened, and then another, and another. I was in a depression for a year and i was only 11.
Im 12 now, and very happy. Lately, though, its been hard because well…well because of this really long story I wont bore u all with.
But listen minions, depression is terrible, but it makes you stronger. Now, I know i can get through anything. I know no matter what I will come out ok. I know that I’m beautiful and smart and loved. I know this thanks to “Cacky”
(Crap+ Crack+ asss+ cackling laughter;))
@ Maggie
I no longer deal with depression but I do have anxiety like all get out….how do you deal with your anxiety?
…………………….
well minions it hit me today depression and did it hit me hard i still feel bad but not as bad *waves fist in area “darn depression”* hopefully i well be happy tomorrow so give me the strength to be happy tomorrow.
Hey Auntie and fellow Minions, I just wanna say I just overcame “Fuddy” and not just him but also suicide. See I called the Hotline (believe me it possible saved and killed me) but to me the hotline didn’t help, it simply made me have to tell my parents everything after being a minior so the police come and surely enough everything came out. My point is though, TELL SOMEONE if you are depressed, if your SI-ing, if your being suicidal! Don’t let it win, please don’t
Auntie, thanks for that
I have depression sometimes and he isn’t fun to be around 
<3 you fellow minions!!!!! Remember, together we can conquer "Fuddy"!!!!!!!!!!!! *epic background music and a CoVT flag flowing behind me*