Another post submitted by a strong person willing to share a personal struggle.
“Depression is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign that you have been trying to be strong for too long.”
I found this statement in an article and it struck me so strongly I thought I needed to take the time to explore it and what it means to me. In my recent experiences in trying group therapy, I have found that it is really important to explore how I feel. We always start our group with what is called a check-in. The first thing we are supposed to say is how we feel in that moment. It is interesting to sit there and truly listen to my mind and body and verbalize my emotions. What is great about being in that safe space is that it is completely okay to have negative emotions. There is no expectation to be strong. I simply say how I feel and then the next person shares. Being that the main reason I am in counseling and group therapy is for depression and anxiety symptoms, this quote struck a chord with me. One of the symptoms of depression that I experience is guilt for even being depressed in the first place. I often judge myself, thinking “if you were just stronger you could get over this and move on.” Having this insecurity acknowledged in this statement is such a relief. A friend of mine said it felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders when she read it. I feel it is as if I have finally been validated that I HAVE been strong and I HAVE tried really hard to beat depression. The thing is I can only be as strong as my body and mind are. I came to a point in time when I could no longer put on the “face” as I call it, acting like everything was okay and only allowing myself to feel my pain when I was alone. I felt so weak and disappointed in myself. But after years of dealing with depression, I think I have learned to believe that sometimes things are out of my control. There are situational and biological reasons why I struggle with depression and anxiety. Trying to be strong for everyone else and for myself only lead me to become so tired, so very tired. I now believe (most days) that depression is NOT a weakness. Depression is something that I cannot conquer or push away just by acting strong, I need to regain my strength. It is okay to run out of strength. It is okay to ask for help and to experience your emotions. I have hope of regaining my strength. I will hit setbacks and I will have times when I believe I am weak. But now I have this quote to think about and remember it says that I HAVE been strong and may just need some help to regain that strength. Remember, YOU ARE STRONG.
