A Metaphor for What My Anxiety and Depression Feel Like Right Now

I was trying to figure out a good way to describe what depression and anxiety feel like right now. This is what I came up with.

My body and my brain are like a cup.

Normally, the level is well below the top of the cup.

Sometimes something stressful bumps the cup, and a little spills out, but for the most part, the depression and anxiety are contained.

Always present, though the level changes, but usually contained.

Except right now, my cup is filled to the brim.

It doesn’t take a very big bump to make it spill.

And the bumps are starting to affect the integrity of the edge of the cup.

Little chips and cracks are appearing.

This means more depression and anxiety spill out, but they can’t be repaired until the level drops again.

There is a leaky faucet above my cup.

Meaning that even after a spill, the level slowly rises again.

Back up to the brim.

Sometimes to overflowing.

The spills don’t always look the same.

Sometimes, I’m crying.

Other times I’m grouchy, irritable, easily frustrated.

They often show up as exhaustion.

I wish I knew how to find some relief.

I promise, my self-care is as good as I can manage right now.

And I’m still trying to do all the things.

At least all the important things.

I just have to wait for the flood to recede on its own.

It has come before.

It has (eventually) receded.

I have to trust it will happen again.

I don’t think I can do anything but wait.

How would you describe what depression and anxiety feel like right now? Tell us in the comments below.