Depression can be one of the most difficult and painful things to experience.  It essentially means to not function –  difficulty getting out of bed, difficulty eating, lack of motivation, overwhelming sadness, not being able to enjoy things anymore… The experience of depression can be very upsetting, but it can also feel indifferent, numbing, or apathetic at the same time.  Neither extreme feels great, which is why it’s important to get support.

“Heaviness” is a word I like to use when describing depression.  Depression is heavy.  It feels like a weight is on you and it’s not always easy to know how to lift that weight off.  One of the things that could be contributing to that feeling of “heaviness” is unexpressed emotions.  Upsetting things happen in life and people learn how to deal with them in different ways.  

Some people’s experiences may have shown them that their efforts to improve their situations are futile.  Their (narratives/life stories may look like): “No matter how many times I explain to person x, y, and z that I don’t like this behavior, they continue to do it.” Or “No matter how much I try to not get in trouble with others, it always still seems to happen.”  This feeling of helplessness could lead to depression.  

There are many ways to treat depression such as through therapy and medicine if necessary, but one of the most helpful things I could suggest is to do something.  I know it’s probably the last thing someone struggling with depression may want to hear, but I do think it could be helpful.

 It doesn’t have to be anything outrageous or extravagant (in fact, it’s probably best to start with small things for now)!  Doing something like looking out the window, smelling a plant, petting your dog or cat, or talking to a friend or taking a walk if you’re feeling up for it can help improve your mood.  Engaging in some activity can help alleviate some of the heaviness of depression.