Rowing through clay

Some days feel like this for me. They’re unbelievably tough—mainly because I feel like everything, even the smallest things, is exhausting. Nothing really motivates me then. Everything feels bleak, heavy, and dark. I often feel alone.

A lot of other people feel exactly the same—and yet completely differently. It’s an illness more individual than a fingerprint. It comes and goes—but never really. Wrapped in shame. Stigmatized, and misunderstood. Depression.

I don’t want us to be ashamed of it. Or is anyone ashamed of a broken leg? …if I could, I’d ask my friends to draw on my cast. But there’s no cast for us.

I want all of us to take good care of ourselves and each other. Self-care matters. Because, like everyone else, we have to function again every single day.

It’s important not to lose sight of the beautiful and important things. Our anchors in life. Family. Friends. Hobbies. Nature.

After my family, I found anchors in pottery and nature-focused photography.

Others write or paint. Ride horses. Have pets. Volunteer. Do crafts.

Everyone can find something that gets them through the day—with small and big moments.

If this speaks to you, I want to tell you: You are valuable and irreplaceable. You are not alone. You will find help. You will get through the day.

Depression can be treated well, and it’s possible to live a good life with it. Accept help!

If you—or someone around you—has suicidal thoughts, you can find help here:

You can also find more information here:
https://www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de/wissen/was-ist-eine-depression