Understanding Depression: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
Greetings, greetings, greetings! I'm Queen B. Divine, and welcome to *The Cure is Conversation*. Whether you're having that conversation with yourself or with another, conversation helps. Today, we're diving into the complex and often misunderstood world of depression and mental health. If you're ready to explore, let's get into it.
The Paradox of Mental Health
If there wasn't good mental health, there wouldn't be depression. And if there wasn't depression, there wouldn't be a need for a spotlight on good mental health. To truly understand and feel this, you have to experience both. My life has been a perfect mix of ups and downs, providing a deep understanding of depression.
The Deep Dive into Depression
I've experienced the lows of depression in ways that might trigger some readers, but stick with me—there's good news at the end. Depression has led me to explore various healing modalities, like the teachings from *The Power of the Subconscious Mind* by Joseph Murphy and *The Book of Stones*. Each experience has added a layer to my understanding and healing process.
My Story: From Childhood Trauma to Adult Struggles
Leaving my childhood home at 11 due to abuse, I was thrust into a world of instability. My life after aging out of the group home was a chaotic mess. There’s no handbook for living, and I had to piece together lessons from my Jamaican roots, group homes, and the Catholic Children's Aid to survive.
One significant memory is cooking my first turkey dinner in college with a boyfriend. It was a disaster—we ate undercooked turkey and got sick. But I learned from it. Eventually, that relationship ended, and depression took hold of me. I felt like I had hit rock bottom, breaking into pieces emotionally.
The Battle with Self-Worth and the Road to Recovery
Depression made me feel worthless, like a "whore" not in the literal sense, but as someone who didn’t know their value. I started dating around, seeking validation but only sinking deeper into despair. Those who’ve been depressed understand this spiral—where one setback feels like the end of the world, and thoughts of suicide become a daily struggle.
Depression isolates you, making you push away those who care, even as you desperately need their support. When you hit bottom, you face a choice: live in misery or fight your way out. The climb is arduous, requiring a conscious effort to change your environment and mindset.
Steps to Fortify Against Depression
1. Speak Kindly to Yourself:** Just like you’d gravitate towards a friend who uplifts you, you need to be that friend to yourself. Start with small affirmations daily. Write down one positive thing about yourself each day. Over time, this builds a reservoir of self-love and positivity.
2. Create a Self-Care Routine:** Find something that grounds you and brings you joy. For me, it’s astrology. It helps me understand my moods and align my self-care with the energies of the universe. Whether it's learning about constellations or focusing on the heart during Leo season, astrology provides a framework for self-reflection and growth.
3. Have a Go-To Activity:** Identify activities that can quickly lift your spirits. It could be a favorite song, a video game, or a physical activity like jogging. Ensure it’s something positive that doesn’t lead to more negativity.
4. Seek Support:** Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with people who support your journey towards better mental health. They can provide perspective and encouragement when you need it most.
5. Avoid Negative Influences:** Distance yourself from people and situations that perpetuate your depression. Your environment plays a crucial role in your mental state, so choose it wisely.
The Power of Healing, Don't buy a condo in hell, move through it
Depression is a complex beast, but understanding it and actively working towards healing can transform your life. Remember, talking helps. Whether it's with yourself or others, conversations about mental health are essential. So, keep going, keep growing, and remember—you have the power to heal and thrive.
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