There is a larger mission in this world and there is so much healing to be done. We are in a weird place where we were quarantined away from most of our support groups.
I think what this world needs – is not another social platform for boasting and comparing ourselves to others but to talk about the stigmas in today’s society.
Building a community:
We want to find more and more groups where we find connectedness and collusion of ideas. The year 2020 brought us, in some ways, too many lenses to find our differences between ourselves and others, political views and life views including. If you’re battling depression and anxiety in your own situation – I recommend finding- like minded people who are going to support you, see you.
Support systems are there with a toolbox to harness certain emotions. I think having a toolbox is the most vital advice out there. Making sure you can grab those tools/outlets at any given notice is where you can default to as a coping mechanism. If you find yourself getting ready to burn out or freak out, having those tools is vital.
Reach out to your support networks. If you don’t have it. Think about those who have reached out to you to give a helping hand. But for whatever reason, you didn’t feel you needed the support.
Know this about Depression and Anxiety:
It is Human and normal to feel isolated and feel like you are battling these things alone. ‘No one understands me’. Everyone can relate to different kinds of anxieties. But all of us know the feeling of overlm and feelings of being overworked.
If you are in a space where you are struggling to implement self-care, it doesn’t mean you don’t have what it takes to come out of it. You definitely do. You just have to grasp the calm and put your needs first for the time being and set up those boundaries you need in that moment and reach out.
A lot of this – isn’t easy – firstly, it really isn’t. Crying is a major first step. Sit and cry it out. There is more tough in life than there is going to be incredible joyous moments. Trust me.
I think the best way to describe the pain (comment on what you think depression is) is the sense of dread, starting out as someone who, at one point thought everything was going so well, then for whatever circumstance has changed a little and you woke up not happy with who you were anymore.
You stopped liking who you are or how you’re feeling. As a coping mechanism you found ways to blame others or things for the way that you are feeling, because things got harder and harder.
You started believing you weren’t worth it anymore and you stopped moving to your highest vibration. The worst part is you want better for yourself. You sometimes don’t know if you deserve better because you’re upset with yourself and you stop trying.
What to do:
-Talk about depression
-Talk to a counselor
-Talk to a friend
-Talk to a stranger on the internet, someone who has been there before.
-Embrace the struggle
-Learn more about depression
-Learn more about anxieties
-Find relief from the prison depression brings
Share your Story:
I can’t say that I post my struggles as my latest Facebook post – but I do end up venting and unloading on someone. 8/10 times there is always someone who is going to listen. But each time I overcome it, (not instantly) something I think I could never overcome because the pain it brings is so heavy – I feel 10x stronger because I shared my struggle with someone who was willing to listen. I shared my voice and that means something.
Many people who have been relieved of stress, anxiety & depression have agreed that your miracle is waiting for you. If you shift your perspective on the matter you will be greatly surprised on what that means for you.
Where to share your story:
Brittany Snow and Jaspre Guest have a platform to bring awareness to mental health and allow others to share their stories with a simple letter. They bring together connectedness and safety through the act of sharing.
Whether you are battling an uphill battle or know of a friend – share this resource. If you have a story you want to embrace – this is an excellent way to do so. Find the site here.
Don’t bury in your battles for any longer. Start somewhere. Find your community. Find that friend you’ve been needing through a facebook group – through peanut if you’re a mother. There are lots of places to feel accepted for your struggles. If you need more help, reach out to me at hello@thenounm.com. Be so kind to yourself!