I am going to have a real and honest chat with you all about something that can be incredibly challenging to identify and that, my friends, is ‘the emotional rollercoaster of depression.’ If you ever suffered from exhausting fatigue, overwhelming sadness and the intense irritability that comes with this mental health struggle, you know exactly what I am talking about.
But do you know what can be even more difficult than dealing with those heavy emotions? The constant ups and downs that often accompany depression. One moment you're curled up on the couch, tears streaming down your face as you wonder if you’ll ever feel joy again. The next, you're chucking at a silly meme your friend sent, only to plummet straight back into the depths of despair later.
It's dizzying, it's unsettling and it can make you feel completely unhinged. But you know what? That's completely valid.
Depression doesn't play by rules
Here's a thing about depression: it does not stick to any sort of logical pattern or timelines. Its not like a regular illness that arrives with a clear set of symptoms and a predictable recovery period. Nope, depression likes to keep us on our toes, refusing to follow the rules and throwing us curve balls just when we think we've got a handle on things.
One day you might think you're better, only to wake up next morning feeling worse than ever before. Or you might experience a rare burst of energy and motivation, only to crash hard in a few hours, jeez! It’s the emotional equivalent of a stormy, unpredictable weather, just like the ones in Canada ;) And let me tell you it can be absolutely crazy. Like, why can't my brain just pick a lane and stick to it? Why do I have to feel so disconnected with my emotions? Its enough to drive anyone a little crazy.
The blessing and the curse of Self-Awareness
Now here's an interesting part- the fact that you are aware of the rollercoaster nature of your depression is actually a sign of progress. It means that your brain has some awareness and it is not completely taken over by illness. You still can step back, observe your own emotional pattern and recognize the absurdity of it all. And that, my friend, is both a blessing and a curse.
On one hand it can make the experience of depression even more frustrating, as you constantly find yourself questioning your own feelings and wondering when the other shoe is going to drop. But on the other hand, that self-awareness is crucial for cultivating self-compassion and ultimately finding a path towards healing.
Afterall how can you be kind and gentle to yourself if you don't even understand your own internal thoughts? The emotional rollercoaster of depression may feel like a maddening ride, but it's also a sign that a part of you is still intact, still fighting to make sense of it all.
You are definitely more than your wicked mood swings
If you find yourself struggling between highs and lows of depression, know that you're not alone. More importantly, know that your worth is not defined by your mental illness. You are not “too much” or “not enough” you are just a simple human, trying to navigate one of the most challenging experiences life has to offer.
Sure, some days that navigation may feel more like a stumble through a pitch-black forest. But even on your darkest days, even when the depression has you completely unraveled, remember this: you're still here. You are still fighting. And that, my friends, is something you need to be extremely proud of!
So next time when you find yourself swinging from the depths of sadness to the giddy heights of momentary relief, try to approach it with a bit of self-compassion. Chuckle at the absurdity of it all, shed a few tears if needed and then remind yourself that you are worthy of love, support and celebration, no matter where you find yourself on the emotional rollercoaster.
At the end of the day, depression does not define you. You are so much more than your mood swings, your difficult days, your moments of darkness. You are a beautifully complex human being, worthy of kindness, understanding and a whole lot of candies ;)
Never forget that!
Much love ♥️
Spread kindness and positivity :)
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