I’ve suffered from depression for 20 years now. During that time I have changed as a person. I am not the same girl that was diagnosed with depression in 1999.
I have had to change to get better. To fight the devil that is depression. The stalker that is poor mental health.
But I never expected that suffering from depression would teach me some valuable lessons about life. Lessons that I’m not always brilliant at following. Yet when I do follow them, they make me a much happier person.
7 Things Depression Has Taught Me
These are 7 things that depression has taught me:
1. Happiness Can Be Found Everywhere
When you’re in the darkness of depression it is hard to remember that there are things in this world that bring you happiness. That there are things that bring you joy. But the truth is that happiness can be found everywhere. It can be found in the smallest of things and the largest of moments. Happiness is everywhere. You just have to look for it. And when you find it, hold onto it.
2. You Can Suffer From Depression And Be A Happy Person
I like to think that I’m a happy and positive person. Smiling and laughing
3. Sometimes Medication Is Needed
I’ve taken anti-depressants ever since I was diagnosed with depression in 1999. And although, I know that medication isn’t right for everyone, in some instances a depression is so intense that medication is needed.
4. Being Kind Is Important
Ever since having depression, I’ve learnt that being kind is so important. You never know what someone is going through in their life. They maybe really struggling and so it never hurts to be kind. And treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.
5. Sleep Is The Greatest Healer
When my depression is at its worst all I want to do is sleep. Sleep beckons me with its open arms. I want to lose myself in its sweet nothingness. And there is a reason for this. Sleep is a wonderful healer. It’s the time when your body, mind and soul
6. Putting Yourself First Is Not selfish
When you struggle with your mental health you have to learn the importance of self-care. Having an early night; taking a long hot bath; going for a leisurely walk; sitting down and reading a good book. All things that may seem selfish. But they are not. Because when you suffer from any illness putting yourself first and doing things that make you feel better MUST be a priority.
7. You Will Get Better
When you are in the midst of depression and are surrounded by darkness it feels like you will never see the light again. You are being sucked down into a whirlpool of despair and you’re struggling to breathe. But I promise you that you can and will feel better again. It may not be today. It may not be tomorrow. But some day in the future the clouds will clear and the sun will shine again.

I often complain that I hate my depression. That I love my life but hate my depression and this is true. But I believe that suffering from a mental health condition has given me an insight that I may not have otherwise have had. It has also given me an empathetic and analytical nature that I will always be grateful for. So for that, and for the life lessons you’ve taught me, depression, I thank you.
Hugs
Lucy
xxxx

13 Comments
Daydreams of a Mum
February 14, 2019 at 2:19 pmThese are all such brilliant points !! Sleep for me is a major one. It’s rare for me to wake up in the same mood I fell asleep in!! #blogcrush
Rebecca Smith
February 12, 2019 at 6:12 pmI was going to comment on a couple of the points saying YES!…but then I realised that I was saying YES! to all seven points. We know these to be true…now we just have to live by them xxx
Jennifer Bergh
February 9, 2019 at 11:41 amGreat positive post. Its good to let people know that they can be happy even if they suffer with the bugger that is depression. Thanks for bravely speaking up #blogcrush
chickenruby
February 9, 2019 at 2:26 ampoints 1 & 2 are very important. i have a one daily positive looking for something good in every day. I have had to remind others some days that just because i found something funny or I smiled doesn’t mean I’m all of a sudden better #blogcrush
Tracy Albiero
February 9, 2019 at 12:19 amThis is great. I think many people believe depressed people are sad and look the part. Not always true. #blogcrush
Alice v
February 8, 2019 at 6:24 pmThese are great realizations. I agree that you can find happiness in so many things. I’m glad you are being positive and optimistic despite having depression. #blogcrush
Carmela (Bellissimamma)
February 8, 2019 at 12:01 pmSuch a beautiful and honest post. I can relate somehow because I felt depressed (not sure about the diagnosis) when I gave birth to my second child. Because of life’s unexpected twist, I became a stay-at-home mom and had to let go of my dream job. I don’t regret having made this decision, but I cannot help but feel very lonely sometimes. Things are much better now. Thank you for this post! #BlogCrush
Enda Sheppard
February 8, 2019 at 10:03 amGreat post … so honest, and it is really useful the way you separate the person from the depression … even the idea that someone can be a happy person and have depressive episodes is enlightening. #BlogCrush
Heather Keet
February 8, 2019 at 9:51 amSleep is such a great healer! #BlogCrush
Lucy At Home
February 7, 2019 at 8:13 pmLucy I love this post so much because it resonates with me so deeply. I have also learned all of these lessons from Depression – it forced me to adapt and change my way of thinking. I also think it’s made me a better mum because I have learnt so much about negative thought patterns and toxic beliefs, and now I am better placed to raise my children to combat these issues and have a healthy approach to life #blogcrush
Naomi Oikonomou
January 30, 2019 at 10:21 pmbeautiful and so, true! plus without your words and support there’d be one less light for others trapped in stormy seas!
Mrs H
January 31, 2019 at 1:45 pmOh darling you are always so kind. Hugs Lucy xxxx