Topic: depression
While I was at dinner with two friends, the topic of mental illness and treatment arose. All three of us had openly struggled with both depression and anxiety, but our thoughts on treatment, particularly in regards to antidepressants, were vastly different.
There are moments and things to stay for in this life. We may have no idea what they’ll be or when they’ll happen, but they will happen.
I’m putting together this action plan. Because it’s way easier to talk about this now, when I’m in good health and thinking straight, than in the situation that could occur if depression comes after me again.
On my road to recovery from self-harm, I knew that asking for help was always going to be the most difficult step—but essential if I wanted to get better. And so I did something that scared me: I pushed the keys to spell out the word "CONNECT" and sent the message to 741741. Then, I waited.
Over the years, running has been an outlet for some of the most difficult days, and an expression of some of my greatest victories. There’s something sacred about picking a direction, and with one step after another putting all of my focus and energy into a single linear goal.
Musician Braden Barries discusses the power of music, the importance of mental health, and how he's carrying hope across genres with his two new albums.
Movement is so much more than a weapon of shame and my story is proof that it can be rewired.
My best advice to someone dealing with a mental illness is this: figure out what helps you the most.
I’m writing to you from the inside. From the mouth of the lion. The bottom of the well. It’s dark down here, and it’s lonely. But we’re here together. And I’m telling you: there’s something better waiting for us.
For me, being isolated was the scariest thing. The days I felt most depressed and suicidal were only enhanced when I isolated myself; when I decided that no one wanted to hang out with me or loved me. Those days were the worst.
It takes a boldness to say that your brain is sick. That you need help. That you can’t do whatever this is alone anymore.
In college, I would put on gym clothes, tell my roommates I was going to workout, and sneak to counseling. As soon as I started being more open about my mental health struggles, my life got exponentially better.
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