Everyone in their lives experience depression. If they claim they never had depression, then they are lying through their teeth and never trust them. Depression comes in all shapes and forms. It may come from grieving a loved one, stressful time in your life, trauma from the past or the fear for the future, and many other forms. I will be very open and honest on here and say I have dealt with depression all my adult life or maybe even before adulthood, but I didn’t understand it back then.  

There are also many kinds of depression and if you think you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then please go ask for help! Talk to a professional doctor or even a loved one that you trust because anything helps.  

Symptoms of depression:  

• Low mood 

• Loss of interest  

• Loss of feeling pleasure 

• Lack of motivation in life  

That is just to name a few…

I will share a little bit about my experience in depression. It comes in waves, a true emotional roller coaster! I hate it! I mainly deal with the type that makes me not motivated to do anything in my life. I know this is why you have not seen many blog posts from me and for that I apologize. After losing my father, I was grieving and then you guys know I have been dealing with post breakup which gave me another reason to not want to do anything. Thankfully, I still had schoolwork to do but still wanted to just stay in bed all day and cry. Anyone who is reading this and experiences the same depression, you are not alone, and I am proud of you for even reading this to feel better or even educate yourself. Not to fret about this depression. It is just like dealing with other demons in your life and we will get through it. One day at a time! I am currently seeing a professional therapist and I have seen a few different ones due to moving to different states or just not the best fit for my needs. However, I have picked up different techniques and advice from all of them plus all the research I have done for this topic because it is definitely toxic in one’s life.  

Depression can take over your life. It can lead you down a dark path that causes chaos. Believe me, it is terrifying! I know firsthand. Thinking you have no one to turn to or think things will never get better. But think of it this way: you are stuck in horrible traffic, and you are just trying to make it home or maybe you are getting hangry, and you just want to get out of this situation…well…eventually, you do! It may not be the best time or when you want to get to your destination, but in time, you will. It is how you spend your time stuck in that traffic and how you deal with it in that situation, that is what matters! Things always seem to work out one way or another. May not what you had in mind but that is ok. When does anything really in life work out the way we want it to?  

So, let us look at things you can do “while you wait in traffic”. I know it can be really frustrating but there are multiple ways to cope with depression. However, my advice is to first look at what is actually causing this depression in your life. Is it a relationship? Family? A friend? Yourself? I deal with a lot of self-esteem issues and think I am not good enough or worthy. I know a lot of this stems from my childhood and my mother unfortunately but that is another can of worms. Also, it stems from my past relationships and things I wish I knew back then that I know now. I will say a really good way of trying to figure this out is to start journaling. I know you have probably heard this hundreds of times and I did too. BUT I started writing every day. I just wrote whatever popped in my mind, every thought and emotion. I started to see the benefits of journaling and I actually make time to journal everyday now because I really enjoy it, and it helps me unravel some of my thoughts. Just try it. Take 5-10 minutes or even longer if you have that time. I also love writing down a worry list to help me see what I can control and what I can’t. Then I try to let that stuff go. It is very hard to do but with practice, it gets a bit easier. I am still practicing.  Also, taking deep breaths has helped me out a lot!

I would recommend checking out some self-help books, specifically for depression and techniques on how to manage it. There is no shame in looking into it or reading those books. It is actually smart to do so. One of the biggest things I have a hard time showing myself is compassion and not being hard on myself. I am hard on myself, and it shows, especially my friends and close friends can see that. So, I try to read word affirmations and repeat to myself that I am worthy, and I am enough. I would also say whoever out there loves markerboards and writing on them…get one and put it up in your room or bathroom. Wherever you can see it and write encouraging notes on there for yourself. Show yourself some love because only you can get out of this traffic. No one else is going to get you out of it unless you drive out of it. Yes, it will take time. Yes, you will have good and bad days. That is normal and human. The more you work on yourself and work through this “traffic”, you will start having more good days than bad days. Or on your worst days, you will know how to drive out of that traffic and go where you want to go. Don’t let depression control your mood. I know how difficult it can be, but you are strong enough to endure and make the best of the situation. I hope this blog was helpful or at least somewhat entertaining.  

*DISCLAIMER* I am not a professional therapist or doctor in any way. This information is purely from personal experiences and knowledge I have picked up over my adult years. I am going to be starting classes to be a certified health and wellness life coach here in the near future. If anyone is interested in my help, please let me know.  

Thank you all for your support and take care! Be kind to yourself and others!