This year I found myself in a situation in which I was not happy with my living situation, this then lead to a resurgence of an extreme case of anxiety and depression and left me depleted and feeling awful for about five months, knowing that my environment was making me ill but unable to get out of it. BUT. This week I finished my final exam and this year's term officially ended. Yesterday I flew back home and for the first time in months I am starting to feel a little relaxed.
So here's what I've been thinking about; I really didn't know the angle I should take on writing this post. Of course I could write a long "Urgh that was horrible!" post in detail of what a horrific time I've had, but that seemed too childish and not very conducive to healing. For a while I toyed with the idea of writing a warts and all post about my history with mental illness and fighting through depression. For a long time, actually. What changed my mind is I really don't think people should have to 'come out' with depression. My hope is that in future it will be a fully accepted part of life to live with facets of life being affected by mental health and I think by writing a "hey everyone, this is how my brain works, aren't I unusual?" post I am only contributing to the mind set that is holding that back. And so I'm not going to write that. I'm not going to record that last few months of life, or comment upon it unless it is helpful to me getting better.
Instead I am going to write about how excited I am right now. It's true I don't feel too wonderful right now; after five months of blankness I feel sort of conditioned to feel nothing, but there is a tiny firefly of excitement in me. I am finally in a position where I can grow into the space I lost when I depleted. I can heal a little bit. I can run. I can make things. I can blog. I can do things which won't make me sad and then I can progress onto things which will make me happy. That's a good feeling. I don't know how long it's going to take to feel energised again but I'm feeling positive about the idea.

This is a great, brave post. I battled depression for years, from age 16 to about 24. And coming out of it, moving past it, took so much hard work (and lots of medication too!) on my part. Finally realising that I needed to surround myself with good people was such an important part of moving back to health, so I know how much it sucks when you're surrounded by people who are NOT healthy for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're starting to feel better, depression is a terrible thing to go through for anyone at any time. Throw yourself into some creative projects, i'm sure that'll make you feel better :) Oh, and a hot chocolate :3 xx
ReplyDeleteWelcome back. I'm glad you feel better now.
ReplyDeleteYou're a brave thing. I hope you feel more peaceful and capable of healing now that you're at home xxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're on the up lovely lady xx
ReplyDeleteTake your time, don't feel under any pressure to blog or create from anyone here. Everyone wants the best for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm relieved to know that you feel like the worst has passed by. Dealing with emotions like sadness and anxiety can really drain you and I'm so happy you finally got out of that nasty situation! I hope you can go back to your usual happy, enthousiastic and creative self :) After every rain storm, a rainbow lights up the sky!
ReplyDeletei can relate so muuuch with that post!!! i am so glad that you feel better :D. Anxiety's overrated! slap her faaaace (okay, let's say anxiety's a "she"). haha :)
ReplyDeleteyour amazingness is stronger than depression <33
ne forget pas to be scarier than what scares you. A.l.w.a.y.s :D
je te send a piece of le French sky xx
I'm so happy for you that things are finally looking brighter, or rather your eyes are adjusting to the light. :) I hope everything turns out just the way you plan.
ReplyDeleteSo many creative souls find themselves in the same situation. You are brave and talented and lovely. Wishing you healing love and light!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling a bit better and taking care of yourself, it's hard, keep battling those negative thoughts when you can and be gentle with yourself when you can't and good luck.xxx
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a mother of a cathartic deep breath. Well done for recognising it and riding it out, be kind to yourself Ally.
ReplyDeleteM x
So proud of you for this post and for looking out for the positivity in your life. I know it's difficult when your mind is determined not to work that way. That gif is amazing too.
ReplyDeletelast week found your blog and immediately in love with ur ideas, creativities, styles and who u are, you are such an inspiration! u will find positivity again, I'm sure :)
ReplyDeleteI found your blog the very same day you posted this, and I have been binge-browsing it! I am sad that you had a difficult time but I send you all my positive energy, I hope you get better very soon :)
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