5 Things I Wish I Hadn't Forgotten in the Midst of Depression

When I’m depressed, it’s sometimes easy for me to forget some things worth remembering. So, here are some reminders if you find yourself in the midst of depression:

1. Depression lies.

Depression tells you that you are worthless, unwanted and not needed. Depression tells you that you would be better off not being here, and you start to believe it. Depression backs you into a corner, and puts you in a dark, dark place. You no longer see good things in the world, you no longer believe good things still happen. You don’t see the beautiful things, and you don’t believe any goodness in yourself still exists. Depression alters  your perception of life hugely.

Please remember: Depression lies. You are not worthless. You are wanted. You are so needed in this life. Good things are still there, and still happening, it’s just hard for you to see this right now; but that’s not your fault. You are so worthy, you are always needed. You are still good, and you are enough.

2. Depression does get better.

When you’re in the middle of it, it doesn’t seem like life can ever get better. You don’t feel like life will ever change. I understand right now you don’t want to carry on. I understand right now you feel like it couldn’t possibly ever get better. But it does get better, life does change. I know you are struggling. I know this is so hard to do. But depression does ease up. I believe in you. You can do this.

Please remember: Depression does get better. It can take time, and a lot of work, but you will feel well again. You will feel like you again.

3. You are strong enough.

Depression might tell you that you aren’t strong enough, but believe me — you are. You can do this. You can get through this. Depression will grind you down until you think you have lost all hope. You think you’ve got no fight left, and that it’s easier to give up. But you can do this. You are strong enough. You do have the strength. It’s deep inside of you, you might not be able to see it right now, but it is there, I promise you it’s there.

Please remember: You are strong enough. You are so strong, stronger than you’ll ever know.

4. Never feel guilty for how you feel.

Depression is not your fault. You did nothing wrong. It is perfectly acceptable to feel the way you feel. You did not bring this on your self. You did not do anything to deserve to feel like this, and I am sorry you do feel like this. But you are not guilty of doing something wrong. You are entitled to your feelings.

Please remember: It’s OK to not feel OK.

5. Depression is not just feeling sad.

When medical professionals speak to you about depression they often ask if you feel sad, or if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm. But depression can be any number of feelings. Depression can be sadness, guilt, anger, fear, worthlessness, loneliness and exhaustion. Depression can also leave you feeling empty. Completely, absolutely empty. And often, it can leave you feeling absolutely nothing at all. Almost numb. When I’ve spoken to medical professionals about feeling absolutely nothing, some have been confused. But sometimes, feeling nothing can be as bad as feeling everything. Depression is not just feeling sad. Likewise you do not always have thoughts of self-harm either, but this doesn’t mean that you don’t require a little help.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Please remember: You are worthy.

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