what do you mean 'depressed'?
- Carly Morton
- Jul 2, 2017
- 2 min read
"Your life is so good, what do you have to be depressed about?"
The catch phrase of the ignorant. From what I can tell, many people seem to think 'depression' is code word for sadness. Henceforth, if someone is depressed, clearly they are sad about their life. They feel that their life is not worth living. They are clearly selfish and take for granted all the good things they have in life. There are worse people out there than them but everything has to be about them. Right?
WRONG.
I've been dealing with depression for the last twelve years. Most people wouldn't know this about me because I present myself as a very happy and together person. And I am. I love my life and am grateful for all the blessings I have. But that's not what depression is. It's different for everyone. For me it feels like a weight. A dark cloud that comes and suffocates me. I feel heavy and lonely and hopeless. Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe or move. I don't want to go anywhere, do anything or talk to anyone. I'm not an expert, so I can't tell if its psychological or chemical. I can only tell you how it feels.
In the past I have taken anti-depressants. I think they helped. But for me, I like to have my body free of pills and other chemicals. Since then, I have decided to take an approach to life that's about being healthy. Exercising regularly and with friends. Eating whole, nutritious and mostly organic foods. Spending time relaxing and doing activities I enjoy. I wouldn't see these things as a cure, but they have definitely helped.
Depression is a journey. And like all journeys, sometimes it's not the destination that matters. Sometimes it's that hard and deep stuff you learn about yourself and about life along the way. The stuff that shows you what you are made of.
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