Think Pink and Green

And no I'm not talking about Alpha Kappa Alpha! It's October so that means it's the month for Breast Cancer and Depression Awareness. (apologies because this post will be picture heavy)

According to the American Cancer Society, there has been an estimated 207,000 new cases of breast cancer this year and there have been over 39,000 deaths. That is one too many. The chance of a woman having breast cancer in her life is 1 in 8 and the chance of dying from it is 1 in 35 but it's going down because women have been finding it earlier. That said, remember to do your self exams and if youre over 40, get that mammogram. I've known too many women in my life that have suffered from this. My mother lost a close friend to this horrible disease. I've had friends who've suffered. In 2002, doctors were afraid I had it. Luckily, it was a mistake but not everyone is that lucky. Men can also suffer from breast cancer so they should be aware as well. This isn't a disease to mess with. It kills so many women each year and it's only second to skin cancer. I'm asking you to think pink.This wouldn't be a nail blog without some pictures so here are some of my favorite pink polishes that I will be sporting this month.

Now let's talk about Depression. This one hits very close to home for me because it affects me daily. Why? Because I suffer from it. I take a pill every night. I have a therapist. Does it suck? HELL YEAH. It has ruined friendships, strained some and I've lost some people very dear to me. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about them. What took me so long to get diagnosed? Pure embarrassment because no one wants to be the "crazy" person. Black people don't get depression. I'll just get over what is bothering me. Not by myself I won't. This is a chemical imbalance in your brain, people. You can't help this. You can't get over it by faking it til you make it.

Don't be ashamed of this. Did you know that often it runs in the family? That's right. It can be hereditary!! Of course women are more often the sufferers especially after giving birth. And yes, Ive been plagued by post-pardum blues as well and I'm tired of being ashamed of this. I have it. I take Paxil. Big Whoop. I am taking care of my mental health because I'm supposed to. If you're suffering from depression, please seek help. Please do something to make you feel better because suffering for 3-4 years like I did is not called for. You will feel so much better in the long run and so in support of those sufferers everywhere, I will be wearing green polish as well this month. Here are some of my favorites.....