?? World Mental Health Day: Navigating the Land of Depression

Depression is often described as a dark cloud, a fog that hovers relentlessly, robbing your world of its vibrancy.?But, what if we thought of depression as a place, rather than an intangible force??

Imagine it as a landscape, a foreign land that we unexpectedly find ourselves in.?

This week as I watch and see the burnt-out buildings across the Middle East. Smoke curls up into a sky that remains blissfully unaware of the devastation below.?

On the scarred earth, children sift through charred rubble, searching for their mothers, fathers, and grandparents—all of them irreplaceable human beings.

I am reminded of my own helplessness, unable to make it better - a shared burden for many of us.

Today, as we mark #WorldMentalHealthDay, this blog delves into the painful landscape of depression, highlighting the profound discomfort for those suffering, including the bystanders, who often share the burden of helplessness.

As frightening as this may seem, it's essential to understand that we all visit the land of depression at some point in our lives, mapped out in a variety of ways: the peaks of "Mt. Misery," the low valleys of "Self-Loathing Settlement," and the swirling currents of the "Sea of Shame."?

And, more importantly, while we’re there, it’s crucial we give ourselves and others the grace to lean into this experience, without rushing to fix it or running away.

The Land of Depression

To better understand this, let's take a moment to picture "The Land of Depression" in all its painful complexity.?

Imagine stepping foot into this land after days, weeks, or even months of noticing the signs: lack of motivation, disconnection from the people and things you love, feelings of helplessness, burnout or overwhelm.

Upon arrival, you might find yourself in the "Hopeless Hinterlands," where you feel trapped in an overwhelming sense of despair. This part of the land can feel like an endless expanse of barren desert, where every step forward feels futile and exhausting.

Then there's "Mt. Misery," where every attempt to climb toward happiness is thwarted by an avalanche of self-doubt or an icy blast of shame.?

Perhaps, you’ve found yourself repeatedly sliding down the slopes of the "Titration Toboggan" as you cycle through medications and therapies that seem to work for a while before you lose your grip on their effectiveness.?

Or maybe you’ve spent time in "Medication Meadows," where things seem a bit more stable, but there’s still a nagging sensation that the calmness you feel is merely the result of chemical balance, not true peace.

Alongside these treacherous areas, the “River of Isolation” may wind its way through your life, cutting you off from the people who care about you.?

You might drift in the “Sea of Shame,” feeling weighed down by societal stigma or personal guilt for not being able to “snap out of it.”?

And, nearby, the "Anxiety Archipelago" lurks with islands of fear, panic, and relentless worry, where you can get caught in a whirlpool of “Well-Meaning Relative’s Whirlpool,” unable to escape their oversimplified solutions and unsolicited advice are not helping you.

What’s essential to realise in this metaphorical land of depression is that it isn’t just one bleak place. It’s vast, diverse, and full of different experiences for every person who journeys through it.?

Some may visit briefly and find their way back home quickly, while others get stranded for months or even years there. But, one thing is universal: no one is ever really alone in this land, no matter how isolated you may feel.

There is always someone close by going through something similar. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

The Importance of Leaning In

One of the greatest challenges of depression is that it doesn't always manifest in obvious ways, unlike a broken arm or leg, it can be even more difficult to spot inner turmoil.

But, regardless of being conscious of it or not depression will demand your attention and the more you try to resist or fight against it, the deeper you find yourself entrenched in its landscape.?

Like quicksand, the harder you struggle, the faster you sink.

So, what if, instead of constantly trying to escape, what if you allowed yourself to lean in?

Leaning into depression doesn’t mean giving up or accepting it as a permanent state. Instead, it means acknowledging its presence and offering yourself some grace in the process of navigating this landscape.

Imagine walking through "The Land of Depression" with a backpack full of self-compassion and grace as opposed to guilt and shame.

Accepting that your brain chemistry or life circumstances have led you to this place and recognising it is a part of your journey, not the destination.

When you lean in, you allow yourself to fully experience and process what you're feeling.?

Depression might bring intense sadness, numbness, or a lack of purpose, and leaning in means allowing yourself to sit with those emotions without judgment, distractions or running away.

It means understanding that it’s okay to not be okay, and that it’s a valid part of the human experience to feel lost sometimes. Accept that there will be days when simply getting out of bed feels like an accomplishment, and that's okay.?

One of the challenges of high-functioning depression is that it can be difficult to recognise and diagnose. At first glance, it may even seem like a contradiction.?

On the outside, you appear successful, driven, and in control, excelling in your career, maintaining an active social life, and fulfilling various responsibilities without any outward signs of distress.?

However, beneath the surface, you may be experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness, emptiness, and despair.

How can someone be highly functional while battling depression, especially if it is characterised by outward success and functionality?

Well, perhaps you grew up in a family that had zero capacity for sadness or vulnerability, and you were never really allowed to share how you truly feel.

If you are in a cycle of ‘facade normalcy’ where your struggles may seem to go unnoticed by others, including friends, family, and sometimes disappointingly even healthcare professionals,

I want to remind you that your voice is still valid and can be seen and heard.

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Finding Hope on the Journey

While the Land of Depression can be an intimidating and lonely, it’s important to remember that it is not where your story ends and it doesn’t need to be a silent struggle.

This is a temporary part of your journey, even if it doesn’t feel that way. By leaning into your experiences and acknowledging pain, you open up the possibility for healing and growth.?

You remind yourself that even though this land feels vast, there are paths that lead out of it. There is hope, even when you can’t yet see it.

And perhaps, most importantly, you recognise that you are worthy of love, support, and grace, even in your darkest moments.?

Grace, in this context, is the gentle permission to feel, to rest and to not have all the answers, but the permission to seek help when needed.

Giving yourself this grace allows you to navigate the landscape of depression with patience and kindness, rather than self-judgment and despair.

Depression will make you feel guilty for not being “productive,” but grace allows you to prioritise your well-being without shame.

It’s important to remember that accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and self-awareness;

? Grace means reaching out for help, even when your depression tells you that no one cares

? Grace allows you to celebrate small victories. Did you shower today? That’s a win.?

? Did you eat something nourishing? That’s progress.?

? Did you take a walk, even if it was short? Celebrate that.?

? Grace tells you that you are enough, exactly as you are, even in your darkest moments

? It might mean going to therapy, taking medication, or joining a support group

It’s the opposite of perfectionism, so whether you're wandering the shores of "Abandoned Dream Archaeological Dig" or crossing through the "Hopeless Hinterlands," remember this: You are not alone, and you are deserving of the grace that will help guide you back to peace

These small steps forward may seem insignificant, but in the Land of Depression, every step counts. So, permit yourself to soften the harsh expectations or criticisms you may have for yourself.

Making Space for PEACE!

If you are navigating this land of depression I have 2x spaces this month for #BHM to reclaim your joy. I would really like to hear from you. Remind yourself that healing isn’t linear and that setbacks are not failures! DM 'Peace' to access 3 x 45 minute one-to-one sessions.

?? Bitesize weekly content! We hope you have enjoyed it. See you next week x

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