Tough it out, or tough it out....

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I think my very first episode of depression was at the age of 13. Although, 13 is really just an estimated guess because memory can't be trusted.

But Jesus, 20 years of various parts of my mind attacking myself in a concerted effort to protect myself, an effort that thoroughly backfired.

Little did I know, anxiety was thoroughly woven into the mix too, but I didn’t fully factor that one in until this year.

I’ve had to endure…

Myself.

Depression, misery, melancholy, whatever you prefer to call it, what makes them what they are is really just prolonged sadness or mental discomfort.

Being sad or lonely for an hour is very bearable.

You could probably manage a day just fine.

But a week starts to become heavy.

And a month becomes unbearable, even crushing.

Yet, what else can you do? There’s no one that can help lighten the load for longer than a few hours. Which, don't get me wrong, those hours become the most lovely few hours and those hours are spent with friends.

The only way the load gets lightened is one of three ways.

1. Time - Over time, it just gets better, or circumstances change, or the sad event distances itself. Technically, time is in the next two, because until recently, there wasn’t an instant switch.

2. You attack the problem - You look at what’s causing the issue and take steps to solve it. You start working out, eating right, learning things to progress you towards a dream. What does this still take?

Time.

1. You rewire your mind - There are ways to do this, to create new neural pathways, like using hypnosis, or immersion therapy. But still, it takes… yup, time.

Misery becomes depression, something that must be endured, when lasting for an extended period of time.

A period of time, with moments of reprieve when spent with friends that you care for, and that care about you.

Next week I’ll talk about what makes a good friend.

In the meantime, what can you do to endure when endurance is the only option?

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