menu

Real Talk- Depression & Free Printable

Titanium is one of my favorite songs to inspire strength when my depression feels overwhelming (which is often these days). I particularly love this acoustic version by Collin McLoughlin.

The past year has been the most difficult of my life. The unexpected, sudden death of my Mom and another trauma in February that left my heart shattered sent me into the darkest depression I’ve experienced. I have mentioned that I had postpartum depression & clinical depression in the past, but never really talk about it- it is A “Bubbly” Life after all 😉  But unfortunately, for the past year or so, my depression is particularly brutal and I am not recovering at a speed I would like (as in instantaneous!)  and in an effort to break down stigmas and hopefully encourage others to talk, I think it is time to discuss it.

I often thought of my clinical depression as a weakness. And it certainly is a failure of my brain chemistry and a genetic weakness. However, the longer I live with my depression, I realize the strength of the people who suffer from the illness. The act of surviving under the pain, duress and the lies your depressed brain tells you is no small feat.  It is a daily, hourly and at its worst- a minute by minute struggle.  Living with that struggle makes you an incredibly strong, resilient person.  It also can make you a difficult person to be around.  My depression went untreated for a very long time and depression is a very stark contrast to my real personality. Nick & I’s marriage suffered greatly (NOT solely because of my depression, good gawd, have you met Nick? 😉 Nick has his own mental & emotional issues that are for him to share. But, we are determined to love each other and continue to work hard for the wonderful life we created and that is filled with many blessings (special shoutout to our two precious girls).  We have seen each other at our absolute worsts.  Lost, broken, disheveled, begging for forgiveness and grace. And thankfully, while we work on ourselves (therapy, meds) we are holding each others’ hands and our love is not lost and our hearts grow with compassion and grace as we learn more about our brokenness.  (Also this is the real me writing here, but when the depression takes over, I feel hopeless.  But, today I am hopeful and leaving this here will bring me hope when darkness appears.) 

In my grief & depression journey I have read countless books, listened to podcasts and encountered many people. The most disappointing is meeting people stuck in a bitter stage or the people that use their pain (whether it be depression, loss, abuse, etc) as an excuse to inflict pain on others. I know I do not want to be that person. They feel their pain is so great that hurting others does not matter and a sufferer becomes a perpetrator.  I was the recipient of such a person who had a tragedy and used the trauma as a rationalization to inflict terrible pain onto me.  I wish that person chose love and not hate, because when you experience pain & loss, you can use it to be more compassionate, loving, caring and empathize with others.  Your pain can be an asset in helping others recover, rather than use your pain to hurt people.  My grief, my loss, and depression widens my heart and I would never choose these things to befall anyone, but I was handed them and hopefully I can use these to add peace and love to others lives- By sharing my struggle here, opening my heart to others and simply listening to people with compassion and love.

I choose compassion,  I will not fall.

Love you guys.
If you suffer from depression and/or have suicidal thoughts, please call or use the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website for helpful resources.  1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

Here are some books that have encouraged me on my journey:
Second Firsts: Live, Laugh & Love Again– Very, very helpful & gives scientific based advice on how our neural pathways are changed due to trauma & ways to improve.
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience & Finding Joy Practical advice & inspirational. From Sheryl Sandberg, written after the sudden death of her husband at 47.
The Way of Letting Go- One Woman’s Walk Towards Forgiveness-  A memoir on grief & forgiveness.  After her daughter’s murder, there is no “closure” and she chose forgiveness.  The book brings up what I wrote above- how tragedy can make people stuck and bitter or how you can grow from it positively.
When Breath Becomes Air- an inspiring memoir from Paul Kalanithi who died of cancer at 37. Helps to remember that life and every moment is a cherished gift. (Warning: You WILL CRY.)
His wife did a TEDTalk here that is very inspiring and beautiful (it wouldn’t be ABL without a TEDTalk link haha)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Jeannie Wallace says:

    Oh darling. I didn’t know about your suffering. I’ve been here only a short time. I feel your pain. I lost both of my legs last year which seemed to be the pinnacle of my downhill run but it wasn’t. Starting in March of 2014, I lost my job of 12 years. My income of course. My oldest stepson to an accident in April. Found out my husband had lung cancer in May. My heart function dropped to 13% in June. My husband was cleared of his cancer in July. We both got really sick in August and they quarantined us from one another. My husband passed away in September. There went his income and his retirement. So no legs, no suppose, no money and a home and 8 year old child to care for. Its only gone downhill since then. I’ve never been or ever would be suicidal, but I’m sure not seeing any light at the end of the tunnel … well, there is that train coming, LOL. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It makes a huge difference to know that someone like you can feel this way too. I’m glad that I don’t have to feel like I’m alone anymore. God bless you sweetheart.

    • Hi Jeannie, thank you so much for your comment and I am so sorry for all your pain and loss, that is absolutely heart breaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you <3

recently on instagram

@ABUBBLYLIFE

DESIGNED BY BASH

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

COPYRIGHT A BUBBLY LIFE 2017