Depression had me down, but not out
I am finally writing again. It feels good to be doing so.
Don't get me wrong, I was still writing an average of seven stories a week for the newspaper at which I work, but I was not doing any writing on my blogs at all and hardly any here at WA.
Part of it was being busy with life and summer and family. But another part—a big part actually—was plain, old depression.
I know that many of us suffer from depression. It seems to be the norm these days. Rather than bore you with the details of this last bout that I went through, I wanted to let you know that I am back to doing writing for me and for my people (blog followers?)...
Part of what was going on was that even though I know I am not financially ready to quit my day job just yet, I really want to. That wanting to and not being able to causes quite a conflict for me.
But today, a friend of mine invited me to have lunch with her. She encouraged me so much that I came home after work, reviewed an assignment on writing content and started a new article!
I'm not quite done writing it yet, because I had to take a short break when my beautiful granddaughter came home and had to tell me about her school day, but I will finish it tonight!
In the meantime, I have to remind myself that my time to dedicate myself to my blogs is now when I am just sitting around playing video games or otherwise disconnecting from reality!
I know that I am not free and clear of this feeling, but this recent time in my life has taught me a lesson in the importance of timing and continuing to work no matter what "feelings" about my day job come up.
Obviously, the very real depression existed, as well. But stressing out about my job did not help alleviate the depression, but only served to exacerbate the feeling that I was a failure.
I know I am not a failure and I refuse to believe the inner critic that says I am.
Instead, I am going to focus on others and on writing my blogs because then I know I am doing something for someone else.
“Depression is focusing on yourself; on your troubles and what is not right. You can't be depressed if you are focusing on others. It's impossible.”
― Elizabeth Bourgeret
Have a great weekend!
Karin
Recent Comments
48
Happy to see you back. Glad you are fighting through your depression. I also go through it from time to time. Love the quote you included. That is so true.
Karin,
Glad to have you back. I to get down from time to time and when that happens, I start to focus on all of the bad things that are going on around me. I've learned that focusing on bad things doesn't do anything but get me down even more.
So, on a daily basis ask myself, what do I have in my life that I can be grateful for. Times when I start to have that feeling, I'll slow down and ask that question. And this has been working for me.
It makes me focus on the good things instead of things that are not helping me towards the goals that I want to achieve.
Louis
Hi Karin. I suffered from depression in my previous life as a banker. I changed my job to an outdoors one where I get heaps if sunshine , and if I still started feeling bad I would take a 1000mg vitamin C tablet. It works everytime. Jim
Keep on truckin'. Reaching out is one of the best steps you can take. And you probably helped someone else today.
Barb
One of my psychology professors said that your mood follows yours actions. He said that no matter how depressed one feels, do something even if it is not a lot or even meaningly and your mood will follow. I think I heard you saying that somewhere in your article. We can't wait for our mood to change. We must act first. It isn't always easy, but it is true. Keep writing even if it is just a little at a time or go for a walk. Just do something. I am glad you are feeling some better.
So glad you have overcome those dark feelings. I can honestly say I think we all have these. I hope quitting your day job will become a reality sooner than later. WA will help us get there....I have faith!
Michelle
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Welcome back, Karin. :)).. Paula