Fight Lies with Truth: Let's be Honest about Depression


Smart husband! He did not answer that question with the truth. How much honesty do we need when we are struggling with depression?

 A lot! We need a lot of truth.

 Why?

 Because the illness itself is built on lies that are based on thoughts and feelings.

 They are just thoughts.
They are just feelings.
They are not facts.

Unknown Object
Here's an illustration.

 LIE: "I'm such a failure."
TRUTH: "No you're not! You got up today. You are reading this blog about depression so you must be trying to do something towards dealing with it. You are looking for some understanding and some new insights. Look at you. You are a proactive person!"

 LIE: "They would all be better off without me."
TRUTH: "Totally not true. If you interviewed people whose loved one committed suicide and asked them if they are better off without that person, they would answer 'NO'."

 LIE: "I can't even accomplish small tasks."
TRUTH: "Yes you can! You are reading this. You can probably feed yourself. You are reading this. You can turn the TV on and off. You got up today. You are reading this. You CAN accomplish small tasks."

 LIE: "I hate everyone."
TRUTH: "Oh, you may feel like you hate everyone but the bottom line is that you really don't. Yes, sometimes you may be unable to feel empathy, interest or even love for the most special people in your life, but you don't hate them. And if any of those loved ones were in a crisis, you would be there for them."

 LIE: "What's the point?" 
TRUTH: "There is always a point. Life is worthwhile. You are worthwhile. Your life has value whether you are accomplishing anything or not. You have value. There is no one in the world like you. You are special. You are unique. There is no mother, father, brother, sister or friend who compares with you. No one can replace you."

 So, what LIES do you need to face honestly?

 I can only speak from my personal experience. I talk to myself honestly in order to tackle this illness and prevent the lies from hiding the truth.

 LIE: I'm useless and I can't do anything. 
TRUTH: I tire easily.That makes me feel depressed! As a result, I can't do much and that makes me feel depressed since I am by nature hardworking and industrious. I have had to pare back my life so I don't suffer fatigue. When I get too tired, I get depressed, and then I get depressed about being depressed!

 But I must face this truth for me: FATIGUE LEADS TO DEPRESSION.

 So what ACTION must I take?

1. Identify the situations that make me tired.
2. Avoid those situations when possible. 
3. Attempt to rest up between situations that are difficult for me.

 Now here's an idea you may like to try. Write down those negative thoughts and feelings - those lies. Do it in the form of a list. Beside those lies write a truth. Even though you may be depressed, you DO know the difference between a lie and a truth.

 If you'd like to delve further into this, you may want to read this article about dealing with negative thoughts.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Can you identify with anything I am saying? Are you ready to try talking back to the lies? Would you like to share one of your lies and how you tackle it? Are you ready to be honest about depression?

 Don't give up! There is hope for depression.

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