Tag: depression

Highs and Lows

Ah, the month of May.  Usually a month of warmer temperatures, graduations, weddings, vacations and the unofficial start of summer.

May 2019 had some extreme highs –

  • We planted our garden and harvested one
    radish.  Tim and I split it.
  • One of our grandsons graduated from Pre-K.
  • Tim and I celebrated 13 years of marriage.
  • My oldest nephew graduated high school.

May 2019 had some intense lows-

  • My sister in law is having complications after surgery.
  • A friend lost her father after a long illness.
  • People I don’t even know lost both of their parents in one night.
  • My oldest nephew lost a friend to suicide.

That’s at least the second friend of my nephew who chose that option.  My heart aches for his family.  My heart aches for my nephew. This is an all too common experience.

I know people who have threatened suicide and those who have followed through. In every case there are multiple unanswered questions and it leaves devastated family and friends in the wake.

I know the struggle with depression (aka the black dog) is real. I am not an expert (nor am I attempting to be.) I know that we all struggle in one way or another.  I know that some is physical, and some is spiritual. I also know there is help available to all.

I know it feeds off negative self-talk and makes you believe that nothing can change. That is a lie straight from the pit of hell. The black dog tries to keep you isolated so you only hear that one negative voice. It makes you want to act on your feelings but feelings aren’t always true and they do change.

Choose to think what you think on purpose! Combat the desire to be alone! Reach out to someone who will listen! If the first person doesn’t, find someone else! Please believe that you are created on purpose and for a purpose. You have value! You are the only you there is. You are unique.

There – start with that thought.  YOU ARE UNIQUE.  Tell yourself (in the mirror) I AM UNIQUE. Some of the synonyms are exceptional, extraordinary, rare, special.  Say those words over and over again – day after day.  You may not feel it but remember, feelings will change.  Say it until you believe it.

Reclaim your life.  Live beyond the lie that nothing will change.