I was reading something online about a guy who applied for a job, signed his paperwork, and started the job, only to find out on his first paycheck that he received half of what he was expecting. He would not be getting paid what he was assured and promised. As I was reading the article, I thought this is what life feels like with mental health struggles.

I have been going through a depression episode with some migraine activity for about a week now. Thank God I have not fallen into my usual self-destructive behavior of staying in bed crying for days, even though there has been crying. Instead, I have made intentional and productive choices based on cognitive behavioral therapy.

I have been keeping up with family and friends despite feeling disconnected. I have listened to music that makes my heart happy and watched shows that aren’t emotionally or spiritually draining. I have been reading my Bible, praying, cooking, writing, and embroidering, even though it is a challenge to enjoy almost anything.

Although I am making positive choices and healthier decisions, they haven’t automatically made my mental health challenges any easier. Depression and anxiety are still my default setting, and my mind and body are dealing with stress in the way they have for the past 30 years. Honestly, it’s exhausting!

So, when I read this article, it clicked in my mind that, during depression and anxiety episodes, those of us who struggle with our mental health are like the guy at a new job.

We may be excited to start something new, hoping for a better life and improved circumstances.

We may feel cheated or frustrated when we see that, although we are doing the work, there is no positive effect or benefit.

We may feel discouraged, knowing we may have to settle for halfway results or start over again.

The fact is that it is difficult to deal with depression and anxiety. Depression can make it seem like you are living in a thick fog of problems, stress, and emotions. Anxiety can make it seem like everything in your life is out of control, and you can’t do anything right.

Yet, as I write this, I want to encourage you and myself: It does get better. The guy who started a new job was valued enough to be hired in the first place. Although he didn’t earn what he expected, he was still paid, and there was still some benefit to his work. FYI, he ended up resigning and found a new job. I do love a happy ending!

Although we can relate to his frustrations, we can also connect with the relief and resolution of purpose he later felt when he moved on. The stressful experience wasn’t a deterrent to a better life but was, instead, preparation for something better.

I know it can be a challenge to feel optimistic about the future when we are in the boughs of depression and anxiety. However, we must remember that we are still valuable and that not all our energy and efforts will be wasted. On the contrary, when we seek mental health resources and invest in better behavioral practices, we prepare ourselves and the people we love for something better.

Note: I have been diagnosed with and treated for chronic depression and anxiety for over two decades now. I want to encourage anyone who is suffering from mental health to know that you are not alone. Don’t let anyone tell you that if you just felt better, thought better, and made better choices, you won’t have mental health issues. These things help, and it does take work to be healthier, but they do not make your mental health problems go away. See a doctor to get on medications that work for you. Find a therapist, people, or friends who can help you talk through your trauma and stress. Most importantly, remember that it does get better. 

Photo by Dương Nhân: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-photo-of-trees-1328876/

Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” (NKJV)