Why 'Tomorrow Is a New Day' Doesn't Comfort Me as Someone With Depression

“Hey! Tomorrow is a brand new day!”

That’s what people say to try and cheer you up. Maybe it helps people who can have a bad day without it spiraling them into a pit of despair.

I’m not one of those people.

And if you have anxiety and depression, chances are, you’re not either. We have a reserved seat at the bottom of the aforementioned pit — and not to mention the seat is an uncomfortable wooden stool that feels like it’s trying to balance on one leg.

For those of us who battle mental health issues, tomorrow can be the scariest thing we ever have to face. More frightening than a trip to the doctor. More worrisome than a job interview. It’s even scarier than lunch with your friend who only wants to talk about the “Twilight” books. Tomorrow is the ultimate unknown entity. And the unknown is my biggest fear.

When you are in the throes of depression and you have a bad day — and trust me, when you’re at that spot, it doesn’t take much to make it a bad day — you’re positive things will only get worse tomorrow. The hot water was out at your house, you got a flat tire on the way to work and spilled coffee on your khaki pants today? Tomorrow you’ll probably be maimed in a fiery helicopter crash. Never mind the fact there’s no reason you’d be on a helicopter.

So you lie awake in a dark room listening to the clock tick. Its rhythm is somewhat soothing in its methodical ticking. It also makes the time go by slowly. But tomorrow is coming and you can’t stop it.

Unless…

And that’s where the really scary thoughts start. That’s when you have to wake up your spouse, call your best friend or the suicide prevention line. You can’t let that dull fear of the unknown stop you from facing tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the one after that.

So keep in mind that you are not alone in your fear. There are people out there who get it and can help. Don’t wait until tomorrow to talk to them.

Follow this journey on Dave’s blog Take A Hand

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

We want to hear your story. Become a Mighty contributor here.