by Zildjian S
Depression has always been pretty real to my family and me. Multiple members of my extended family have either committed or attempted to commit suicide including my own father. Although depression was something my family had always been susceptible to, I never fully understood it or why it even occurred until pretty recently.
In the past few years, I’ve caught myself in these dark stages multiple times, and it felt like happiness just wasn’t an option for a while. I felt like my friends and family didn’t know how to help which was kind of frustrating for both parties. I tried talking to my mom, and even to a therapist to try to feel better which didn’t help enough, for me at least. I eventually gave up on trying to solve the problem of my depression for a while which made it a lot worse.
Eventually I decided that finding a solution needed to be my number one priority, so I started changing my life patterns. I decided no matter how hard it was that I was going to be more outgoing. I also ate healthier and started going to the gym, which helped me, sleep better, and boosted my mood and confidence. I kept doing these things constantly until they turned into a life pattern. Eventually most of my issues had for the most part dissipated.
The point I’m trying to get across is that anything can be overcome with a little effort and that our problems and imperfections do not define us. I feel my point is best expressed in the words of Steve Maraboli “My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me.”