“Depression is a choice”
This is a tweet I saw come across my feed yesterday, thankfully with comments from people about what utter trash of a take this is. Why would anyone choose to be depressed or any other mental health issue like that?
I just wish that we were able to really get beyond the stigma and have people understand that mental health issues are no different than any other issues. It would be nice to be able to one day drop “mental” or “physical” as a qualifier before the word health and focus on the fact that health is health. Healthcare isn’t just for things like allergies, asthma, or the flu – it includes help for things like depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, PTSD, etc.
I know for myself, I would never wish having anxiety on my worst enemy. And I sure as hell would never choose this for myself. My anxiety, especially when it is at its worst, is exhausting. It robs me of my ability to do things to the best of my ability and makes the most mundane tasks seem impossible.
I guess that is why I have decided to start writing more openly about my current struggles – to provide a glimpse into what happens when I have a flare up of what is a chronic condition for me. Doing this could make people think I’m weak or broken, but I honestly hope it maybe allows people to gain an understanding for what these struggles are like. To maybe have compassion and understanding for people. And to learn how to help support friends and family that may be dealing with a flare up.
As for myself, I’m getting through this rough patch. I’m using the skills I have developed through work with my therapist (she’s the best). I’m trusting my support network (for the most part. . . .but that’s where I have to remember that anxiety is a jerkface) and I’m not pushing myself and giving myself breaks when I need them.
If you’re curious, you can read more about my anxiety disorder at the link below.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad.htm
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank the people in my life that are providing me with support and reminders that this too shall pass and that I’ll be better prepared for the next flare up. Y’all know who you are.
