Lies told by Depression

Serenity on the Karuah River NSW. I took this photo back in July.

I wasn’ going to write this post because journaling has become almost a compulsion. Still, while it helps I’ll continue wearing my heart on my sleeve. Yesterday I wrote about how depression lies. Here are some more examples.

Being alone is better. Depression isolates. It wants you to believe that being alone is safer. That it’s more comfortable to dwell in a solitary place than be connected and supported with others. The most famous quote attributed to Greta Garbo is “I want to be alone.” The actress claimed that she had been misquoted.

The Truth is: Depression worsens when we remove ourselves from others. You will likely have to really, really push yourself to change your belief. As hard as it is and it will be hard, allow others to pull you out of the black hole. It will be worth it. Social attachment interpersonal connections, even hugs and affectionate touch raise levels of oxytocin, a natural pain reliever and feel-good hormone. The truth is that being with others who support you and believe in your recovery helps to reduce depressive symptoms. I think this was the hardest behaviour for me to shift. For me, it is like I being drawn to my bed by an enormous magnet. I cocooned myself waiting for some miraculous day where I would emerge as a beautiful butterfly without having to do anything to make that happen. Once again I set SMART goals (read my previous post explaining SMART goals).

I started by ten minutes in the sun, knowing melatontin via exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Seratonin is (from my brief research) provides a link between serotonin and depression but it is unclear whether low serotonin levels contribute to depression, or if depression causes a fall in serotonin levels.

There’s is no hope. Depression doesn’t want you to feel hope or believe that any real kind of change can take place. It will shrug off any motivating beliefs you have, squash suggestions from others, and debunk treatment as a way to get better.

Truth: Like helplessness, hopelessness is grounded in pessimistic thinking. The negative thoughts that exaggerate hopelessness often lead depressed individuals toward self-destructive thoughts. This is why seeking psychotherapy or medical attention is so important. And while you may not want to go to therapy (because you’ve lost all hope) you may find others “forcing” you to get help. In the short run, you’ll be angry when others intervene, but in the long run, you’ll thank them for caring so deeply for you.

Another Lie Depression tells you, You’ll never amount to anything. Depression convinces you that even if you can feel better, you’ll never be or have anything of value. Depression will deform your positive beliefs and strike down your dreams. It’ll leave you vacant. And depression rots any optimism for greater things.

Truth: Many who have struggled with depression can live full, productive lives. It’s not a life sentence.

Truth: Getting immediate intervention will diminish depression’s lethal hold on you.  Personally, I recommend you seek out qualified professional practitioners who can help with medication and therapy.  I am a living example that your symptoms of depression will lessen. As you recover, you will likely be surprised that you ever thought of dying by suicide because possibility, promise and hope have emerged in your life again.

Depression is a serious illness. It can be treated. There is always help. There is always hope.

Hope is my lifeline The hope I will get better keeps me afloat. Most importantly ask for help and don’t stop asking until you get the help you need. Don’t try to deal with depression on your own it’s way too hard.