Just exist

Sometimes all you can do is exist


We get told constantly in our society to strive more, be more, push harder, do better. 
I can see the merit of this. We need to push ourselves in order to keep moving.
If we don’t try, we cannot succeed.
But there is a difference between giving up, or not trying, and being unable. 

Throughout my depression I have had numerous comments and advice, some good and some bad. 
One thing I hated more than anything was ‘you just need to push yourself more, try harder’.
I always wanted to respond by saying ‘oh yeah, I don’t have to suffer depression any more, I’ll just tell myself I’m ok’ 

Sometimes this can be relevant and helpful, but there is a point where this can just ad guilt and frustration to the mix.

People who have not experienced mental illness cannot understand the hurt we feel when someone doesn’t see how damn hard we are trying. 
I had a nurse tell me I needed to push myself to go to the dining room. My response was ‘ I am pushing myself more than you realize, just to be here’ 

It’s important not to give up. I agree. 
It’s important for friends and family not to stop encouraging. 
But it’s also important to understand there is no guilt in just being alive. 


Sometimes, it’s ok if the only thing you did today 
was breath.



Comments

Rana said…
This is so true and something many people don't understand I think! I read a quote once that said "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow". This saying really resonates with me because we often ask too much of ourselves and forget that sometimes it's totally ok to just get through the day. Xox
27 February 2018 at 21:51
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