SO you’re at a theme park, and you decide to hop on the biggest, scariest rollercoaster. As you click into your seat and the ride jerks to a start, you feel a mix of excitement and dread. Life, my friends, is that rollercoaster. It has its thrilling highs and gut-wrenching lows, and just like that ride, it’s best handled with a pinch of humour and a bucket of resilience.
Depression: What Others See vs. What It Feels Like Inside
Imagine watching someone from afar who seems to have it all together. They’re like a duck gliding smoothly on a pond. But what you don’t see are the frantic little legs paddling furiously under the surface. That’s depression. On the outside, things might look calm and composed. On the inside, it's a chaotic mess.
What Others See:
Laziness:
"Why can’t they just get up and do something?"
Pessimism:
"They always see the glass half empty."
Weakness:
"Why don’t they just toughen up?"
Uncaring:
"They don’t seem to care about anything."
Just 'Sad'
"Everyone gets sad sometimes."
Dramatic
"They’re making a big deal out of nothing."
Difficult
"Why are they so hard to be around?"
'Fine'
"They look okay, so they must be fine."
Unhygienic:
"Why can’t they just take care of themselves?"
What It Feels Like Inside
Takes So Much Energy to Survive
"Just getting out of bed is like climbing Everest."
Hopelessness
"Nothing will ever work out or get better."
Beyond Willpower
"This isn’t something I can will away. I’m trying as hard as I can."
Feeling Like a Burden:
"Everyone would be better off without me."
More Than Sad:
"I feel numb, empty, angry, hopeless, and completely depleted."
Small Things Feel Big:
"Even small tasks feel like insurmountable obstacles."
Masking the Pain
"I’ve learned to hide my true feelings behind a mask."
Menopause: The Unexpected Twist in the Ride
Just when you think you’ve got the hang of this rollercoaster, along comes menopause, throwing in loop-the-loops you never saw coming. Hot flushes, mood swings, and sleepless nights – it’s like the ride operators decided to make things extra interesting.
What Others See:
Moodiness:
"She’s always in a bad mood."
Forgetfulness:
"She’s so scatterbrained."
Hot Flushes:
"She’s always fanning herself."
Irritability:
"She snaps at everything."
What It Feels Like Inside:
Body Betrayal
"Why is my body doing this to me?"
Uncontrollable Emotions
"I feel like I’m on an emotional rollercoaster."
Night Sweats
"Will I ever have a good night’s sleep again?"
Brain Fog
"Where did I put my keys? And my mind?"
Resilience is The Secret Superpower
Resilience is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Think of it as your personal superhero cape. It’s what helps you bounce back when life throws you a curveball. Here’s how I cultivate my inner superhero:
Laugh at the Absurd:
Sometimes, life is just plain ridiculous. Embrace the absurdity and laugh at the craziness. Humour can be a powerful tool for resilience.
Embrace the Suck:
Acknowledge that some days are going to suck. It’s okay to have bad days. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling without judgement.
Find Your People
Surround yourself with folks who get you. They don’t have to fix you, just be there with you. Sometimes, just having someone listen is enough.
Self-Care is Non-Negotiable:
Think of self-care like oxygen masks on an aeroplane. You can’t help anyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself first.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Did you get out of bed today? Awesome! Celebrate it. Small victories are still victories.
Stay Present:
Focus on what you can do today, right now. The future can feel overwhelming, but you can handle this moment.
Hiding in Plain Sight
Depression often comes with a mask. I put it on to appear "fine," even when I’m not. It’s like being an actor in a play where the script demands you smile, even when you feel like crying. Recognising that someone might be wearing this mask is the first step in understanding and supporting them.
Finding the Right Help
Navigating the maze of finding the right meds, treatment, and affordable resources can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
It’s frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes, it feels downright impossible. But keep pushing forward. The right help is out there, and it’s worth the search.
So, let’s hold on tight, scream if we need to, and remember to laugh at the absurdity of it all. After all, it’s not just about surviving the ride but finding moments to enjoy it along the way.
#LifeRollercoaster
#DepressionAwareness
#MenopauseJourney
#MentalHealthMatters
#ResilienceTips
#HumourAndHealing
#EmotionalWellbeing
#OvercomingChallenges
#SelfCareStrategies
#BreakingTheStigma
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