The Blizzard of Depression and the Importance of Compassion

When you have depression, it's like it snows every day.

Confidence will come with repetition. My nervous system will realize that I can safely challenge my relationships.

This is an illness and that deserves a compassionate, medical response.

I've learned that the trauma I carried inside doesn't define me. I am learning who I am and who I want to be.

There are no periods in my story; only a semicolon because my story isn't over.

Going to therapy has meant finding the time to fill my tank so I can be a reservoir of grace for others.

I had no understanding of what was happening or how to help my son. 

Mental illness, particularly serious mental illness, is not a "quick fix" — it is an ongoing journey.

I realized that writing was therapeutic for me in general; if I had racing thoughts or anxiety, I would write it down and feel much better.
 

Today, I’m blessed that medication, plus love and forgiveness, has given me a life worth living.