Acknowledging Depression

Depression

Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.

Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration.

Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities.

Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much.

Wow, that sounds like a lot. And I can confirm that it is - that’s what most of my life has been.

Depression made me feel that there was no way I could ever feel good or be happy again. It truly made life seem impossible to handle. It took many years of therapy and coaching to help me learn how to function and I’m proud of where I am today. I also want to share something important.

If someone you know is dealing with depression and shares how they are feeling, don't tell them you understand, just because you may think you feel or have felt similarly. That might negate the authenticity of their feelings. Even if you are in a bad place, you can never truly understand someone else’s struggles.

If you can, try to acknowledge their feelings and validate and normalize them.

Acknowledgment shows that you are truly listening. This simple act can help that person feel really seen, heard, and in the end, understood. Feeling acknowledged was incredibly healing for me.