The only thing I wrote during therapy this week:

Life is a lot

#depression #MentalHealth #LifeIsALot

@StacieBee in case some random stranger's word might make a difference: that means you're coping in your own way. Keep on coping. You'll find your way.

@thesamim

Thanks. It has been a rough couple of weeks and my brain is full.

@StacieBee

Oy. That it most definitely is.

But you got this. I *know* you got this.

If I could share some encouragement, I've dealt with anxiety and depression as far back in my teen years in the mid-90s.

While anxiety has plagued me and plagued me hard for a long, long time, it felt like as of recently that anxiety has had the weakest hold that it's held over me in many years.

I have no idea how long that's going to last, but to find that relief and get that respite... I take heart and find solace in that, that these victories are out there. For me, just facing the day is a victory in and of itself.

For what it's worth, if it means anything, I wish you the very best of everything, that you take care and treat yourself kindly and celebrate any/all victories along the way.

[gestures around] And you have a hell of a support base here, myself included.

Cheers, then, and all the best.

@optiMSTie

Thank you so much. I deal with anxiety as well but lately depression has taken center stage. It has been a rough couple of weeks for my loved ones and my brain is full.

@StacieBee

Very welcome, aye.

Terribly sorry to hear that the depression has been like it's been, especially so with it being a difficult time for your loved ones.

I can't profess and won't pretend to know what's going on (and out of respect, I won't ask or pry - as a fiercely private person, it's part of a code of mine).

That being said, it feels like your heart is doing a lot for those who are closest to you, but even as your care goes out to them, make sure that you do for *you* along the way, that you take care of yourself and do right by yourself along the way.

Depression is a lying fiend that has made me think that I didn't deserve even the simplest of joys, diversions, comforts, and care, but that's just what depression does: it lies. And I wouldn't want you or anyone to pay any heed to its lies. Know that just as your loved ones are worth your time and care, that you too are worth your time and care.

@optiMSTie

I appreciate your kind words. I was already struggling before life threw a bunch of wrenches into the lives of others so they are not my stories to tell. I’m trying my best to balance my care for them and care for myself.

I know depression lies but thank you for the reminder and I’m sorry you know from experience.

🫂

@StacieBee

Any dang time.

I'm grateful to hear that you're doing your best to achieve that balance of care for yourself and others. I have every confidence in you to do what's best for you and them, and I'm not wrong to do so.

Very welcome, aye. And thank you for your kind words.

I hate that I've been there, so I doubly hate it when awesome folks go there, and I'm always adamant on throwing whatever moral support I can to those folks.

Which is to say, all the best to ya.

🫂