Things About Depression I Did Not Know

Depression is a constant journey of discovery, especially the discovery of self (however we want to define this), and we all learn things about ourselves.

• All emotion, every activity is draining.
• Rituals are important to maintain a functioning level of existence.
• Even the fun stuff drains energy.
• Building good habits is hard and necessary work.
• Structure in the day, touchpoints and milestones, are exceptionally important.
• Happiness and joy sap energy just as much as a phase of depression.
• Good habits reduce the impact of depression cycles.
• Introspection, and awareness of self, are hard, but rewarding.
• Constant awareness of my mood and mental state is required at all times.
• Nobody can do any of this work for me. It’s on me.
• Clear and constant communication with friends, family, &c. is necessary.
• Reaching out is a hard skill to learn, and not always possible.
• Variety of ways to communciate is key in relationships: subtext should be text.
• Self-compassion is important.
• Self-care is hard.
• The radical honesty about my own emotions, whether when talking to others or when acknowledging my own state, is incredibly uncomfortable.