Search This Blog

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Optimistically Depressed

I am one of those people who like to look at the bright side of every situation. I enjoy being optimistic and thinking about all the good in my life or the life of others. I think most people would agree that I am friendly, I like to smile, and I love to laugh. I may even be a little hyper at times!

 I am also suffering from depression. 

When I look back on my life I see myself having ups and downs which is common and normal with having babies, moving, jobs, and everyday life struggles. The recent ‘down’ as I like to call them has lasted longer than most though. So much though that I recently went to my doctor to look into options that may help.

How do you explain to someone that you are happy but yet not at the same time? You see the good and you feel the good but yet your mind and body have a hard time fully embracing that good.
I guess I have always thought of depression as someone who is gloomy, sad, and never is seen as happy or smiling. Someone pessimistic. 

The truth is the social butterflies in the world can also suffer from depression. The people ready to make you laugh may feel alone. Those handing out compliments may feel useless and worthless. Those encouraging you that everything is great may feel overwhelmed themselves.
If you are like me you may tell yourself;

“How can I be depressed? I have so much good in my life and so much to be grateful for!”

“I am just having a rough day, tomorrow will get better.”

We can even feel guilty because we see all the good but are still ‘stuck’ and there is still a ‘wall’.
I think that is why people like me have a hard time accepting that they may be struggling with depression or why they have a hard time even explaining it to others. 

 Don't forget to give that optimistic friend a smile, compliment, or encouraging word back. They may be fighting their own demons too.

"Sometimes when I say "I'm okay." I want someone to look me in the eyes, hug me tight, and say "I know you're not." 

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for postig this. Glad to know I am not alone with these same thoughts and emotions. Well said

    ReplyDelete
  2. Depression is a really tough thing. I have been depressed many, many times in my life. I believed the lie that no one had ever felt that way and I shouldn't tell anyone. It eventually became so bad that I couldn't hide it anymore and I sunk deep into the dark pit. Even though I am on medicine for it now, I can still slip into it and I have to be aware of my feelings. I finally have a few people that I can talk to and I have a great therapist.

    Sheila, you are not alone. There's many people that suffer from depression. More than I knew. Please don't keep things to yourself..depression untreated often leads to suicidal thoughts and I don't want that for you. Have hope and seek help. Life can be very good! =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm in a really good Facebook support group and highly recommend for anyone to seek one out as well. It's nice to be completely honest with strangers I'll never meet and are going through what I am or have gone through.

    ReplyDelete