Have you any of these questions come up for you…

• “Nothing matters”
• “Why bother? It’s not going to change anyway.”
• “Why am I here?”

The worker… waking up early, going to the job, and coming back home exhausted – ready to do it all over again tomorrow. Then there’s also the business owner, managing all the responsibilities and expectations of their employees and family. One common thread that connects them is this sense of being in a hamster wheel or perpetual cloudy day – each feeling like their efforts won’t necessarily move the needle forward. At least, not enough to feel a sense of progress.

Like many aspects of mental health, there is a range of impact – from low intensity to high intensity.

On the lower end, a person may feel a need for motivation and a little “push” to get things done consistently. On the more intense end, a person can feel almost paralyzed and stuck in their current situation. We all cycle through both sides at some point or another, when was the last time you checked in with yourself?

I think of depression as a sort of cloud or fog that comes over us. On a cloudy day, most of us understand that while we can’t see the sun right away – it is still shining just beyond the clouds. Likewise, while we may not feel that sense of joy or peace, it continues to exist just beyond the negative thoughts and/or feelings. That’s right, instead of the dreaded “Depression,” consider the negative thoughts and/or feelings that look like depression.

The internet makes it easier for us to self-diagnose plenty of mental illnesses nowadays, but be careful to not over-respond. Everyone has bad days, sometimes bad weeks or months, but that does not necessarily indicate a mental illness. Learn to recognize, record, and redirect some of the thoughts and feelings that may trick our minds into thinking it’s sick.

One concrete strategy to try is to get an accountability partner!

Someone who can see things a bit clearer and from a different perspective. For example, you may feel like you’re “not a very social person,” but there could be a friend or neighbor who sees you as very engaging, charming, and fun. When we are in the midst of those dark times, our view of ourselves can become clouded – sort of the opposite of “rose-colored glasses. An accountability partner can help give you a realistic perspective, make sure you use that gym membership you talked about last year.

Wouldn’t that be nice.

Keywords: depression, mental health, mental wellness, coping, accountability, strategies

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