Life with Depression

For those of you who live with depression and anxiety:

There is hope. So much hope for you.

I’ve been wracking my brain for something I can say to help you. I know words are inadequate, but I’m gonna try anyway. I think I know how you feel. I have struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life. And sometimes, even with taking medication, it’s just so hard. Too hard. But one of the truths I have found is that it isn’t always so hard. It seems to run in cycles. The trick is getting through the hardest stuff to the hopeful stuff.

The beautiful stuff is still there. Life just has a way of dragging us down so low sometimes that we can’t see any light at all. And if you’ve lost someone, or just find yourself alone for some reason, it can seem hopeless. But it’s not.

I could list all the practical things you can do to combat this, but I won’t. Because when you’re at the lowest place you can go, it can be hard to even get out of bed, much less go for a walk or eat healthy.

So here’s something you can hold on to. Right now. And it’s true. THIS WILL NOT ALWAYS BE YOUR REALITY. Life is always changing. That includes yours. And if you’re so far down, there is no light at all, don’t give up. The light will return. It always does. Just like the sun.

Distraction is your friend. When I’m really struggling, I end up watching a bunch of Godzilla movies. Old and new. I have always found comfort in that giant lizard. I don’t know why, maybe because I remember watching them growing up and they make me feel safe. And don’t even get me started on British Crime shows! I have seen so many. If I have to be up and around, I listen to audiobooks. They can be just the thing to keep my mind off my troubles. Find something that works for you. You just need to keep going until things change again.

At my lowest points, I also tend to beat myself up with my past failures. And that doesn’t do anybody any good. This is another reason distractions are great.

During this time of year when we’re surrounded by happy people doing fun stuff with family and friends, some of us are struggling to make it through each day. If you’re a struggler, that’s okay. You don’t have to run around singing and baking cookies. Be gentle with yourself. You are important. And when you least expect it, some of that sunshine’s gonna peak through the darkness again. Just don’t give up. You are not alone in your struggle.

Braundi