flowing through depression

Today I thought I would write about depression. I have dealt with depression my whole life. It’s just one of those things I’ve learned to live with and have slowly but surely gotten better at structuring and employing support systems for whenever it kicks up. This is the first time I can say the feelings of depression have resurfaced in a bit and it’s okay 🙂 It gives me an opportunity to think about it with fresh eyes through writing on my blog.

Something I have found for myself is simply allowing the depression to exist. Flowing with it. Observing it. Sitting with it. If life feels grayer or slower, thats okay… thats actually pleasant. Relax into the calm and the quiet, just slow things back down to your safe place. For me that looks like getting cozy in bed, making tea, reading, having a slow hot shower, taking myself on a walk, watching a movie, having an oatmeal bowl or making soup. I have noticed that when you allow yourself to sit with depression rather than spastically fight it, run from it, or urgently look for an out … the depression is able to be seen and let go.

Additionally, I think when you are able to identify your own depression symptoms and signals earlier on, it is much easier to employ your safety and recovery systems. Of course, I’m no therapist so I can only speak to what I have noticed and what works for me, but I also think that when you are well versed in sitting with your own emotions and allowing the feelings of slowness to be present… you can more compassionately and easily show up for yourself in the physical. Positive and loving, affirmative self talk. Saying “Okay I’m feeling kind of depressed today, I’m going to do the things I can do to the best of my ability from where I’m at.” Just being kind to yourself. Not fighting. Just allowing. Think about if you were helping a friend or loved one through depression. How would you speak to them? Something I am engaging in is cultivating a deeply compassionate, loving, and forgiving relationship with myself. I want to see my super conscious as a friend, a best friend. I would not want to be friends with someone who speaks to me with a blaming, mean, or punitive tone … so why would I speak to myself that way? I love myself! So I talk to her like she’s my loving bff soul sister. I say “Girl it’s okay, it will pass :)” I really think everything comes back to cultivating inner compassion, inner self love, and just utter forgiveness and understanding. You are so strong! You have done some pretty incredible things! Every dark place you thought you would never get out of… you did! And you did it by yourself! (these are things I say to myself and maybe these are things you can think about too!)

Overall, just allowing your depression to exist with you as you do the things you need to do to “stay afloat.” Almost like mentally being present with depression as you do your best to physically maintain rhythm and routine. It doesn’t need to be bold or loud. Just slow down. Be kind, understanding, and loving towards yourself as you flow through it. Understand that like everything else in life… this feeling, this moment will pass. Sometimes all you can do is relax back into your peace and calm, and slowly but surely do the mindful little exercises you can that keep you in rythm. Those tiny little disciplines will keep you grounded, and you will be so so grateful to yourself once the storm passes.