She Strengthens

The Hidden Struggle: Uncovering the Reality of Depression

As I sit staring at a blank page, the weight of my task feels crushing. I’m supposed to write about depression, but my own depression is making it impossible. It’s a cruel irony that’s all too familiar.

A Lifelong Battle

I’ve lived with depression since my teenage years, but I didn’t always recognize it for what it was. I thought it was just hormones, angst, or a side effect of a toxic relationship. It wasn’t until my 30s, when everything seemed fine on the surface, that I realized something was wrong. That’s when I finally received an official diagnosis.

Beyond Sadness

Depression is often misunderstood, even by those who live with it. It’s not just feeling sad or blue; it’s a complex condition that can manifest in countless ways. Brian, a stagehand from Portland, describes it as “a hurdle, a large and seemingly insurmountable hurdle.” Don, a therapist and father of three, adds, “It’s chronic, it’s exhausting. You can’t just pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”

The Little Things

For me, depression reveals itself in small ways. If I find it too overwhelming to stir my almond butter, I know I’m heading into a dark period. If my book remains untouched or my art supplies gather dust, I need to pay attention to my mental health. These tiny signs can be indicative of a larger struggle.

Invisible Symptoms

Others living with depression share similar experiences. Rae, a marketing consultant, describes how even simple tasks like cooking or taking vitamins become too much effort. Katie, a writer and IT worker, notices herself neglecting chores or feeling disorganized. Izzy, a disabled dancer and singer, struggles to clean his home. These invisible symptoms can be debilitating.

It’s Not Laziness

It’s easy to misunderstand depression as laziness, but that’s far from the truth. Izzy says, “I wish people knew this wasn’t just lack of motivation… There is a monster on my shoulder dragging me down.” That monster can consume every aspect of life.

Coping One Moment at a Time

Different people cope with depression in different ways. Some find comfort in their pets, while others force themselves to get out of the house. Medication, therapy, and peer support are also options. For me, knowing I’m not alone makes each moment a little easier.

A Message of Hope

As I finally begin to write this article, I remind myself to be patient. I’ll write it one word at a time. If you’re living with depression, remember that you’re doing the best you can in this moment. Let’s get through this day, one moment at a time.