I Want You To Remember Who You Are When You're Not Depressed
Remember: you will feel joy again.
getty By Jessica Solah
Even on your worst days, I never want you to forget what joy feels like.
It’s so easy to forget when you are in the deepest pit of your depressive episode that joy is waiting for you on the other side.
It’s so hard to remember that this feeling is temporary and that you won’t feel like this forever.
You must never forget that.
Some days it’s so hard to keep existing, and it feels like it will never end, but it will. It always does.
On the days when you believe the world is better off without you, I never want you to forget that you are wanted. Or that your voice has value.
Furthermore, on the days when the sunlight hurts your eyes and you want to cloak yourself in darkness, I never want you to forget the feeling of sunlight on your face on the first morning of spring.
On the days when you are exhausted by just being awake, I never want you to forget the rush of adrenaline. That rush you feel when you are trying a new experience. It’s incredible.
On the days when you cannot see any good in anything, even in yourself, I never want you to forget the overflowing amount of love you have for life, others, and yourself when you are well.
Then on the days when you feel like a burden to everyone you love, I never want you to forget that people love you and want you around. Even if it doesn’t feel like it.
I never want you to forget who you are when you are not feeling depressed.
It’s so easy to get lost in depression. Especially when your episodes feel like they last an eternity, you forget that this is not how you will always feel.
Remember: you will feel joy again.
You will feel motivated again. You will want to socialize again. And you will feel creative again.
Your hobbies and interests will bring you joy again.
When you’re feeling low, remind yourself that it will pass.
It’s so easy to feel guilty about the symptoms of depression — lack of motivation, loss of interest in activities, isolation, difficulty with basic self-care, loss of productivity and more.
You feel as though they are your own fault, or even worse, that they are a part of you.
It’s so easy to feel like a bad person when you are depressed. But these moments are not who you are.
You are not a bad person. They are symptoms, and they will pass.
When it gets too hard to keep going, remember that you’re strong enough to make it through.
Remember that you’ve been there and back before. Please don’t forget these things.
Remember that this is temporary.
Happiness is coming your way. I promise.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, you are not alone. According to the CDC, "more than two in five adults experienced symptoms of anxiety or a depressive disorder in their lifetime."
Visit SAMHSA's website, or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Jessica Solah is a writer who focuses on topics of mental health, self-care, and social justice. For more content, visit her author profile on Unwritten.