If I could go back in time, these are the 5 things I wish I knew about depression.
(It would have saved me a lot of wasted time and pain.)
1. Depression is not your fault.
Even when sometimes lifestyle and habits can have an impact, there are a lot of factors that can lead to depression. Some of them are absolutely out of our control.
2. Depression is not a sign of weakness.
I grew up believing that people with depression were just weak. In a way, they chose not to let go of depressive feelings and habits. It wasn’t until I fell into a depression that I understood that showing up every day to do what everybody else does takes a lot of power, courage and resilience.
3. Depressed people just need positivity
Where you have been depressed for a while, you understand there is no amount of puppies, cuddles, pep talks or inspiring movies that will fix you permanently. Depression is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach. Even when surrounded by positive things that can be good for you, beware of toxic positivity that can play against you.
4. Asking for help is easy
When you are depressed, things can take different proportions than they could have. And it’s even worse if you can’t pinpoint a specific reason for being depressed. Especially if you compare your situation with others and realize that “you have it better than a lot of people”. At this point, asking for help can be hard, because you think maybe you don’t deserve to ask for it, but if this is your case, just do it, BECAUSE YOU NEED IT.
5. Depression will never go away
One of the most terrifying things I experienced while depressed was the idea of always feeling like that, for the rest of my life. Luckily for me, I am in a better place now, but I learnt that even if that could be the case, I would do whatever in my power to be kind to me and that I have no control over if I ever get depressed again, but I trust that I will be able to face it anyways.
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