Depression is never easy, nothing is. We throw around the word ‘depression’ as though it is synonymous with ‘being sad’, but depression is so much more than that. When you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, when you lose all sense of belonging, and when you are simply going through life for the sake of it, how could you be expected to carry on like normal? When you are diagnosed with depression, you struggle day in and day out just to live. You lose strength and hope, but most importantly, you lose your sense of self. The weight of sadness and hopelessness can be so suffocating, leaving you feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle of despair. Now, when someone is diagnosed with depression, it is so easy to go “Oh you are just upset, you will get over it,"  or “Man up, you are okay”, and this is exactly what stops those suffering from depression from seeking the help they deserve. You may be depressed, but you deserve a chance at life. You may be depressed, but you deserve to spend your time on earth fighting for love and happiness. You deserve to be okay.

As important as it is to know what depression is and how it affects a person, it is also important to know that you can overcome depression. It takes time and a lot of determination, but in the end, it’s all worth it. It is not an easy road, and it is definitely easy to get lost along the way, but to see yourself put in the effort and come out flourishing on the other side, it makes life feel valuable. Resilience is the quiet strength within us which helps us bounce back from adversity and setbacks. It is the courage to keep going, even when your body and mind are constantly asking you to give up. It is the believe that no matter how dark the road truly gets, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

With that being said, just the act of being knowledgeable about resilience is not enough. It is about trust and action. Trust in yourself and your capabilities, and an action to work on yourself. One of the most important and necessary factors is to have a strong coping mechanism and practicing self care. This could include journaling, meditating, exercising, or spending time doing something you love, spending time with your loved ones, and above all, reaching out and seeking help in your times of need. 

How can you overcome depression with grace?

1. Journaling:

Journaling serves as a beacon of introspection amidst all the uncertainty surrounding depression, offering a safe harbour to untangle complex emotions and gain clarity. Through the written word, your thoughts can find structure, and feelings can find expression, paving the way towards understanding and healing.

2. Self-care strategies:

Self-care strategies serve as vital tools in the arsenal against depression, nurturing your mind, body, and soul. Whether through mindful meditation, or exercise, prioritising self-care cultivates resilience and empowering us to face each day with renewed vigour.

3. Spending time with the people you love:

Amidst the darkness of depression, the presence of loved ones becomes a lifeline, offering warmth and support in moments of despair. Spending cherished moments with family and friends fosters a sense of belonging and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

4. Reaching out to a mental health professional:

Trained therapists provide a sanctuary for exploration, where emotions find validation and burdens become shared, easing the weight of despair. Through specialised expertise and compassionate support, you will gain invaluable tools to navigate the complexities of depression. 

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You need to remember to find a purpose and meaning to life, because who are we, if not contributors to this world we live in? You need to find a passion to live for, and ideals and values to follow. You need a community around you to build yourself up and to help you grow. 

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At the end of the day, no matter how strong and resilient you are, setbacks are a part of life. There will continue to be days where you fail to see the light of things, feel helpless, and allow all of that darkness to consume you. You need to remember not to let despair take over, you need to lean into the pain and discomfort and seek solace in the fact that situations have a way of turning around. 

NOTE: If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out to a mental health professional at Heart it Out.