This is a wonderful comic that has been making the rounds of social media lately. It was drawn by Nick Seluck who drew the story that Sarah Flanigan shared. She has lived with depression since she was ten years old. Here is the link: http://u.pw/1L6kyQ7 It's one of the best descriptions of dealing with depression and anxiety that I've ever seen. What I'm going to talk about in this article are the parts of her story that I can most relate to. First of all, I can really relate to the idea that one day you can be 'normal' and able to accomplish. And the next day, you are struggling to get out of bed. And sometimes, you don't even know what triggered it. I'm constantly on the lookout for symptoms. While my attention to symptoms hasn't risen to the level of paranoia yet, I've had times that the depression seemed to creep up out of nowhere. That's why I tell you that I have to use my tools every day in order to stay healthy. This vigilance is part and parcel of what has contributed to my ability to stay healthy when I couldn't do that in previous years. If I can name it, I can do battle with it. Luckily, I have tools that work for me at this time. Can I guarantee that will always be the case? Probably not. But I'm willing to work on the issues that might impact my depression. And that goes a long way towards keeping me going.
Another part that I can relate to is the fact that not all people understand that one day you might be great and another you might be in crisis. How do I know that people don't get depression and anxiety? Because I've had a lifetime of people telling me to just change my attitude and all will be well. Judgment is part of living with mental illness. Luckily for me, my primary support system does get it. And I've chosen to surround myself with people who support me. If I don't get support, you and I will have a friendly relationship. But you won't get close to me. I've learned. Another thought that I can relate to is that sometimes I have had periods of time in which my depression and anxiety appeared to be on 'vacation'. That's what has made it hard to understand the chronic nature of the depression. If it disappears for awhile, you can forget that it's there. And the next time it hits, you are blindsided. I do have good periods. Sometimes they have lasted for a long time. And when the good period ends, that is a great opportunity for me to shame myself about why I've 'allowed' this to happen again.
Finally, the description that the depression and anxiety are an opposing team is a good one. I really do battle this opposing team. And the tools are part of my team. I think my team is stronger at this point. And for that I'm grateful. Can you relate? How do you see depression and anxiety operating in your life? It's helpful to use art to explain how depression and anxiety work because it's an entertaining tool to make complex ideas more understandable. If you use art to talk about mental illness, feel free to share it with me. I would love to present it to my readers. Sending all my love. Let's talk!
Another part that I can relate to is the fact that not all people understand that one day you might be great and another you might be in crisis. How do I know that people don't get depression and anxiety? Because I've had a lifetime of people telling me to just change my attitude and all will be well. Judgment is part of living with mental illness. Luckily for me, my primary support system does get it. And I've chosen to surround myself with people who support me. If I don't get support, you and I will have a friendly relationship. But you won't get close to me. I've learned. Another thought that I can relate to is that sometimes I have had periods of time in which my depression and anxiety appeared to be on 'vacation'. That's what has made it hard to understand the chronic nature of the depression. If it disappears for awhile, you can forget that it's there. And the next time it hits, you are blindsided. I do have good periods. Sometimes they have lasted for a long time. And when the good period ends, that is a great opportunity for me to shame myself about why I've 'allowed' this to happen again.
Finally, the description that the depression and anxiety are an opposing team is a good one. I really do battle this opposing team. And the tools are part of my team. I think my team is stronger at this point. And for that I'm grateful. Can you relate? How do you see depression and anxiety operating in your life? It's helpful to use art to explain how depression and anxiety work because it's an entertaining tool to make complex ideas more understandable. If you use art to talk about mental illness, feel free to share it with me. I would love to present it to my readers. Sending all my love. Let's talk!
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