Anonymous: Hi, how do you handle depression and life at the same time?

Dear anonymous,

Okay. To be open and honest, I have dealt with a form of depression for over six years now. And what I can say is you are one very strong individual. I give you props for being able to come this far and to handle your depression thus far. I understand you're asking so you may not think that you're able to handle it and life at the same time, but you've been doing it, and I'm proud of you for that.

Now, in my struggles with depression, I have found sanity in expression. There really isn't a cookie-cutter answer for dealing with depression, but what I can say is everything that you've probably heard about, you know, doing stuff like going outside, going to sleep early, getting some sun, eating healthy, having hobbies, authentically expressing yourself, pampering yourself, and setting boundaries—it's all true. It does help.

I know, I know. I hate it too. I hate that I have to actually do all of these things in order to just feel okay. But honestly, you gotta do what you gotta do, right? I don't wanna just survive—I want to live. I want to experience, which I'm sure you want to too. So I would say prioritize life. Make that your top priority: living.

You wanna handle your depression and life at the same time? Sometimes depression is chemical, so it's not your fault. Not that it's really ever your fault, but I would for sure look into seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist if you are okay with considering medication. However, I wouldn't jump right into that. I would say put that on the back burner for now and try all the other things that I've mentioned.

Try going to sleep before 12 AM. Try eating a balanced breakfast in the morning. Try going for a walk on your break. Try going to the movies by yourself. Try writing down your feelings. Try saying your feelings out loud on video. Try a new hobby. Try saying no when you want to no. Try reaching out to someone you wanna talk to. Try staying off of social media for one day out of the week. On that day, do everything you want to do—if you wanna go outside, go outside; if you want to sleep all day, sleep all day.

Dedicate that day to pampering yourself, to spoiling yourself—not even materially, but through experience as well. Go to that place you've always wanted to try. Try praying. And please get back to me and update me with how things may or may not have improved.

I love you!❤️