So. Yesterday. Yesterday, I took a bath. A good long soak, longer than necessary. And I looked in the mirror for a good long time. One of the traits about myself that's not so great, I'm told, is my unwillingness to look in a mirror for long.
I'm all for body acceptance, loving who you are, feeling good in your own skin and whatever other good things you can do, but I have a hard time putting it into practice. A cursory glance tells me at least I don't have spinach in my teeth and my hair isn't THE MOST crazy or whatnot, and then I'm good. If I'm doing winged eyeliner or something, I'll look more, because come on, have you ever tried evening out both sides? But other than that, I'm not great about just...looking. It makes me uncomfortable talking about it, even. Like, ugh, am I talking about looking at myself...like my whole self? That seems wrong or inappropriate to talk about. But it's me, and it's me looking at MY self. It's mine. Shouldn't I know what it's like now?
To my surprise, I didn't hate all the things. There were things I'd like to take action on, for sure, but I didn't hate all the things. And I stood there longer. And I looked, and I thought, and I wished, for once, that I could learn to like even the things I currently hate. And to maybe, maybe rock myself out the way I really would like to. There are people much bigger and much smaller than me that have a much bigger slice of the confidence pie, and I'd like to go back and get some more. I'd like to really really feel good about me. I need to work on that.
I looked in a more metaphorical mirror lately, and unfortunately, I'm kinda seeing that picture I used as the lead. I have, it seems, fallen into a depression. There's some underlying stuff there, like work stuff, people I've lost touch with, relationship struggles...and there's some stuff that came from it that made it worse, like avoiding stuff as simple as showers and sunshine, and neglecting stuff I should be doing, which piles on the guilt, which makes it more insurmountable. I've talked to the SO about it, and I mentioned it in a more public way tonight. It's not dire, and I know depression lies, but it makes you think a lot, too.
The bad things I feel are hopelessness in some areas of my life- like I can't change the things I want to change, like trying makes it worse, like failing is a reminder of how already bad at things I was.
There's fear- that I can't change myself, that I can't change the bad interactions, and fear that comes from hurting. Fear that I'm alienating myself from people, fear that people are starting to or already did not like me, fear that I can't repair relationships with people I'd like to, or build something better with people.
There's a lack of energy and excitement for the future. I try to set goals of things to look forward to, even if they're small, because it helps me feel...better, more secure and happy. Like, for example, I am looking forward to finally getting around to seeing Rogue One. Lately though, those things get put off, a lot of the times by me, and I feel like I'm floating aimlessly. And I want to do things, but I don't.
So I'm confessing. I'm struggling. I'm not super happy. I feel a little like I lost my way and on top of that don't really feel like digging in and finding it.
I don't feel like posting this after writing it because if I do I'm admitting all this, and that seems...not great? But I'm gonna post it.
Because maybe someone else out there feels that way. In fact, I know someone else out there feels that way. And maybe we can be hope for each other, maybe even just a little.
I feel like a lump of useless, but I have to believe that that's not all I am.
And neither are you.
2 comments:
Depression is a tricky thing. By the time you realize you are depressed, it already has a firm grip on you. It CAN be conquered, but it takes deliberate action and support from those who care about you. It may also take medication, and sometimes it takes several tries to find the meds that work for you.
Seek out a professional. Take small steps. Change one small thing at a time. Go see Rogue One. It will make you sad, probably, but being sad can actually make you feel better, oddly enough. Talk to your friends about how you feel. I know of at least two, personally, who are there for you, if you want to talk.
I'm not just talking out of my hat. I have fought severe depression for maybe 50 years. I still have my battles, but I am much, much better. Many days are now good days.
I wish you many, many good days. You certainly deserve them. You are an amazing friend, an amazing person. You are talented, and funny, and beautiful, in every way.
Thank you. :) I kept downplaying it as just being stressed but i think looking it in the face makes it a little better. You and my sisters and brothers got in touch today and while it seemed a little embarassing at first it's actually already helping. Thanks. :) I know I've got some great people in my corner.
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