Are you feeling sad, worthless, or weighed down by thoughts you cannot explain? Do you find yourself wanting to stay in bed all day and cry? Somewhere out there, someone else is feeling the same way right now.
It is not a good feeling. It can weigh you down so much that you cannot get yourself up in the morning to face the day. I have felt that many times, and just when it seemed I was finally getting back on my feet, I would slip into it again. So I understand how every day can feel like a struggle, a fight you are not sure you can win. But you can.
Your depression may have been triggered by a variety of things. Perhaps grief over the loss of a loved one, stress, abuse, illness, or other personal problems. Whatever the reason, one thing I am sure of is that depression brings long-lasting and heavy feelings of sadness and hopelessness that can take over your life. It is not something anyone would ever pray for. But when it happens, rather than letting it take control of your life, you can take back control.
One of the things I have learned about depression is that it makes the things that matter most to you feel worthless. I am usually grateful for the gift of life, but when depression sets in, I begin to question my existence. If you have been feeling depressed and have still made it to today, that counts for something.
Here Are 10 Reasons to Keep Holding On.
The Depressed Version of You Isn’t The Real You
I am usually the kind of person who is happy, singing and dancing around my room for no reason. But when I am going through a low period, I feel like there is nothing in the world worth being happy about. It is the complete opposite of my usual self.
The same thing happens to most people when they are depressed. You become someone you barely recognise. So do not conclude that your life has become meaningless. Remind yourself instead that the miserable, depressed version of you is not the real you.
You Are Not Worthless
One of the thoughts that keeps coming back when you are depressed is the feeling that you are worthless. But that feeling is not the truth about you. Think about what your presence means to the people around you, and what it would take from them if you were not there. And if it feels like nobody needs or loves you right now, remember that not being appreciated today does not mean you will not be appreciated tomorrow.
You are important. You are loved. Your presence here matters more than you can see from where you are standing.
Life is More Than What You See
If you are judging the whole world by what you can see around you right now, you may be seeing only a small part of it. There is more to life than the corner of it you happen to be standing in. When you are depressed, you tend to notice only the bad things. Take a moment to breathe and look past them. Terrible things do happen, but amazing things are happening too, often at the same time.
Try to see beyond the negativity around you. Look for the bright side, and you may find more reasons to be grateful that you are still here.
Also Read: Relatable Quotes About Depression To Make You Feel Less Lonely
Depression Doesn’t Define You
Do not let depression define who you are or what you are worth. The negative thoughts can get so loud that you stop seeing anything good in yourself, and you may even start to feel that depression is your new identity. It is not. You are your qualities, your personality, your skills and your abilities. You are far more than the state you are in right now.
Life Isn’t All About Sadness and Pain
I may not know everything you have been through, or what life has thrown at you and made you endure. But believe me, life does not only offer sadness and pain. Even the happiest person you can think of experiences sadness, anger and disappointment. All of it is part of being human. In fact, the ability to feel all these different things is what makes us human.
So instead of focusing on how miserable life feels right now, think about the good times you have had. The moments things worked in your favour. The times life was kind to you. Appreciate those moments, even the ones that only lasted a short while.
You Deserve to Be Better
You deserve better than where you are right now. You deserve to enjoy the things you used to enjoy. Your days should not be filled with thoughts of how miserable you feel, but with what you still hope life can give you. Do not be afraid to imagine good things and want them. Allow yourself to want more than what depression is offering you.
Depression Doesn’t Make You Weak
People who are depressed are not weak. It is common to assume that depression only affects weak people, and many who are going through it blame their own weakness for it. If that is how you have been thinking, know that even people who are physically and mentally strong get depressed.
Do not blame your depression on a lack of strength. If you have handled everything life has thrown at you, and you keep getting back on your feet, then you are stronger than you think.
You Can Be Happy Again
Depression lies to you about the future. It tells you that this is how things are now, and this is how they will always be. But feeling depressed today does not mean you will feel this way for the rest of your life. Millions of people have been exactly where you are and come out of it. With proper treatment and support, you can be happy again. You can smile again and enjoy the things you used to enjoy.
Focus On the Positive Side of Depression
This might sound strange, but depression does have another side to it. Not a good side, because nothing about the pain is good, but many people who have come through it say they came out knowing themselves better. They learned what actually matters to them, who truly showed up for them, and what they had been carrying that was never theirs to carry.
Also read: Amazing Sides Of Depression No One Talks About
You Were Not Born Just to Be Depressed
When you are in it, you can start to believe you were born to be sad, that suffering is simply what your life is for. But nobody is born to be depressed. Unpleasant things happen to us, and sometimes many of them happen at once, but that is not the same as being made for pain.
You were born for a reason, and that reason is not to be tormented by depression. Try to look past where you are right now, because there is more waiting for you than this.
If you would like something practical to work through, ‘Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy‘ by David D. Burns, offers exercises based on cognitive behavioural therapy that many people have found helpful.
Conclusion
I wrote this post after four days, when I could barely get out of bed. Thanks to my family and the people who love me, I got back on my feet. If I could, so can you. Reach out to people. Say how you are feeling out loud to someone you trust, and try not to spend too much time alone with it. There is more to your life than this. Be grateful for this day, for this moment, and hold on.
Author: Chinasa Lovlyn Nwachukwu is a mental health coach and writer who writes from both experience and practice, helping people understand their minds and protect their wellbeing.
DISCLAIMER:
The content of this blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is provided for general information only.
If you need help or know someone struggling with their mental health, please visit our resource page.
