Introduction to Jennifer Smith, Author of ‘Coping with Depression’

I’m Jennifer Smith, and I’m thrilled to be writing for Coping with Depression at HealthyPlace. I was diagnosed with major depression in January 2017. This came as a result of a near suicide attempt which required inpatient psychiatric care. I had struggled with depressive episodes throughout my life, but this was a much more severe event. Up until this point, I had been adept at attributing my depression to simple moodiness or just being tired. I had adopted routines and methods of hiding my depression from others, and the result s of that nearly cost me my life. I am currently on medication and in therapy, and I am learning how to cope with my depression in healthy ways rather than ignore it.

‘Coping with Depression’ Goals

Through this blog, I hope to encourage others with depression. I want to share some of the tools that work for me. I would like for others who have depression to ask me questions or talk about what works for them. I want this to be a blog that stimulates conversation. Ultimately, I hope to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health issues so that no one ever feels the need to hide their pain again.

More About Jennifer Smith of ‘Coping with Depression’

I have an incredibly supportive family, my husband of nearly 20 years and my three older children; they are compassionate and understanding fellow travelers on this journey. I also have a fourth child, who is visually-impaired and severely developmentally-delayed. While this presents additional challenges, I am grateful for the place she has in our family and for the life lessons I learn from her on a daily basis.

I enjoy reading, writing, and all things autumn. I am also quite fond of my red hair and my pixie cut. I want people to see me, not just my depression.