Dear Friend,
Depression is awful. If you struggle with it, you know what I mean.
Depression is sneaky, it’s unpredictable, and it’s so hard to describe to someone who hasn’t experienced it.
Some people with depression feel consumed by a dark, deep sadness, like they are drowning in dread. Others don’t feel anything at all, and would describe their depression as being in a state of “emptiness” or “numbness”.
Some people can’t get out of bed, they can’t stop crying, they can’t function. Other people may not show any symptoms on the outside but on the inside feel like they’re dying.
It’s different for everyone.
But it is so, so real.
I wanted to write this to those of you who are struggling with depression to tell you there is hope. I wanted to tell you to make yourself a priority and take care of your body because you deserve it. I wanted to tell you to get the help you need, whether that’s therapy, medication, or something else because you are worth it in every way. I wanted to tell you that although it can feel so dark, there is always hope.
Those are the things I wanted to say but when I wrote them, I knew there was a different message on my heart. Even though I believe all these things to be very, very true.
What I want to remind you of more than anything, though, is that your depression does NOT define you.
There is so much more to you than this battle.
You have your personality.
You have your dreams and passions.
You have your talents and hobbies.
You have your brilliant mind.
You have your soul.
You have your family and friends.
You have your faith.
You have your love.
Depression does not get to erase the rest of you.
It doesn’t get to take away these beautiful parts of you that are still in there no matter how extreme it feels.
I know sometimes it can feel all-consuming and dealing with depression can feel like a full time job.
I know it can feel like the rest of you has died and all you have left is this darkness.
But please remember, that is a lie. It’s not true about you and it never will be.
So do the things, get the help, take care of you.
And please, don’t forget your depression is just a piece of you, one that cannot take over and swallow the other pieces.
You are more than just depressed. Remind yourself who you really are.
I’ll start: you are the son or daughter of the Creator of the universe, who intricately made you in all your beauty and ways. You are known, loved and wanted.
Your turn.
Love,
~Kelli Bachara, The Unraveling Blog