I’ve read several articles about “functional” anxiety and depression…though, by definition, anxiety and depression impair functioning…
However, in today’s world, we recognize we still have to somehow live our lives…
When people picture anxiety and depression, they often imagine the extremes.
We picture that commercial where depression is the robe that never leaves us. Or we imagine someone who just cannot get out of bed. Someone who is always crying or always isolated and wallowing in their sadness.
Truth be told, though, often depression can look very different, and be hard for those around us to identify…For instance:
- Perhaps depression looks more like someone who comes home from work and watches Netflix for 6 straight hours, ignoring everything else for the 4th day in a row.
- Perhaps it looks like dishes piled in the sink, half done laundry, and half eaten meals.
- Perhaps it looks like going to work, doing your tasks, and not interacting with co-workers.
- Perhaps it looks like pure and utter exhaustion, and an inability to engage in activities you once found life in.
- Perhaps it looks like fewer hugs or kisses from your loved one.
- Perhaps it looks like more sleep or less sleep, and harder mornings, but getting up because of expectations.
- Perhaps it looks like someone who is irritable all the time, who easily and quickly reaches the end of their fuse.
- Perhaps it looks like a worn body with tired eyes.
- Perhaps it looks like someone who doesn’t have the energy to take care of themselves physically: ignoring dietary demands, exercise, even sex/physical intimacy.
- Perhaps it just looks like someone who is just worn out: body, soul, and spirit.
I know we have these exaggerated ideas of depression,
but often, these people still manage in “the real world”. We don’t always see them, because we think they are just busy, tired, or movie/tv fans.
Yet, as Shakespeare once said, “A rose by any other name…”
Maybe it’s time we started paying attention to ourselves and those around us. Noticing if something in them/ourselves have changed. Recognizing if anything should be done to share the burden, carry the load. Offer care, compassion, hope, and sometimes even quiet.
And, definitely some understanding and validation.
It has been a while since I’ve written regularly. There has been a lot going on, and honestly, today’s post has a lot to do with it.
I plan to continue my hiatus after this post – but fear not. I will once again be participating in Write 31 Days in October. This will be my 4th year participating. I will be writing (in contrast to last year) about Relationships. So, until the end of September, I appreciate the understanding for this period of time I’ve had to take away from regular posting.
If you need someone to pray with you, if you recognize a need in yourself or someone else, or depression is at your door, let me know how I can pray with you. No one should go through this life and struggles alone. That’s why we were commanded to “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
Author Candice Jenee’ 