As with all my work, this comes from personal experience and probably won't apply to everyone. There's chemical, genetic and trauma related reasons for both depression and anxiety too. So much of how we live our modern lives is not conducive to our mental health, so I have a feeling this will apply to many of you though.
My depression and anxiety definitely shook me into realising that some of these were true.
So what did I do?
I had to wake up to the fact that I wasn’t living my life for me, but instead making decisions based on what I thought I “should” be doing.
I made some difficult (but in hindsight brave) decisions. Leaving, quitting, walking away from people, places and behaviours that were causing me pain.
I made plans and worked at figuring out ways to get me to the places and situations I really wanted to be.
I had to work with a professional to help me deal with deep rooted, difficult stuff.
I read, watched and listened to anything that would help me deal with specific issues - and anything that would help me understand the human mind better.
I had to start being kind and compassionate to myself (in the same way I’d always been to others, but never extended to myself).
I took everything one step at a time. Being as patient and gentle with myself as I possibly could.
If any of the above resonates with you, I hope you know that there is a way forward.
And if you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, I promise you that it is coming. It might just be around the next corner.
There were times when I genuinely couldn’t see a way out and couldn’t possibly comprehend that there was light at the end of the tunnel. But one day I realised the light was back. It had crept back in slowly and suddenly it took me by surprise. It felt like a true, glorious miracle. I can’t wait for you to feel that too. Because you will, I promise.
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