Years ago, when I was diagnosed with clinical depression, I received a shocking prognosis. My psychiatrist said that I would be dealing with this for the rest of my life. I thought to myself, “that doesn’t sound right”. But after years of personal experience, I can say he was right. Don’t get me wrong. I’m okay…well I’m not as bad as I was before I got help. I’ve definitely gotten better. I credit my improvement to my ability to heal on my own terms.
People have so many misconceptions about depression. But the one thing I’ve found to be the most erroneous is that depression effects everyone the same way. It doesn’t. And, when people think that depression effects people the same, they think that people can heal from depression the same. The steps that one person might take to battle depression might not be an appropriate fit for another person. For example, I’ve heard people say, “All you need to do is exercise”, or “I didn’t have to take medication”, or my favorite, “just pray about it”. Listen, some of the people I’ve heard giving advice about depression have never been properly diagnosed and are probably mistaking experiencing depressed feelings with the illness of depression. The others who have been diagnosed are probably well meaning, but are really doing more damage than good. I recall watching a video of woman giving a testimony about how she overcame depression. In her testimony she said that the doctor prescribed her medication, and that she didn’t want to take it. Instead of taking the prescription, she gave herself 30 days to improve her depression. If she couldn’t get it together in 30 days, she would then get on the medication. She gave a list of things she did in the 30 days to get better (I can’t remember what she said she did). In the end, it worked for her. I thought to myself…”good for you”. And while that’s an awesome testimony, now people will probably think that is what everyone should do. Her testimony made it seem as if taking antidepressant medication is a bad thing, or an easy way out. I blame social media. There are so many voices out there giving misguided advice.
I’m thankful that I’ve had the strength to guide myself on this journey and to not be influenced by what has worked for others. You might have to take medication for your depression. It’s okay. You might have to see a therapist…go; there are plenty of options. You might be one who can just make it through with prayer…to you I say, “Amen”. But here’s the important take away; do what’s best for you. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help, but in turn, don’t feel obligated to follow through with their advice. We each have to walk out our journey independently. Trust yourself. While you absolutely have to conqueror your own depression (It’s like any other illness.), you don’t have to do it alone. Remember, your journey might not be like mine, but we can always press on together!