Overcoming Depression - Tumblr Posts

I think almost 3 years later I finally understand how to interpret my own art.

For my highschool art portfolio you had to submit a concentration. A number of peices all with a theme or at least all in the same medium. I went with ink pen. Specifically, all of my peices were done as a single line drawing, with the pen never leaving the paper, and sometimes dabbling with watercolor as well.

I was in highschool and in pain. I knew I was depressed, diagnosed and medicated. But I didn't understand why. Part of it was purely physical brain chemistry. But another was my perspective.

One single unbroken line. I believe I have firmly overcome my depression. I am still dependent on medication and have come to terms that I probably will be for the rest of this life. But I am now happy, and brimming with hope. And with that has come hightened understanding.

I had come to resent my highschool art. I saw it as proof of my pain and failures. And I thought it perfectly represents my selfishness. In highschool I was looking forward to better days wanting better things, but I wanted them for myself.

I believe I have a pretty good imagination. I seem to have always been good at looking down the road to the future. Knowing whether or not an action will hurt me. But my focus was on my timeline, not others. I was only looking at a single line.

I knew I wanted to be good. But with only the perspective of a single line there was no urgency, no reason. If I was doing this only for me? Well than I'd rather just be lazy.

There are a thousand selfish reasons to never change.

I know that no matter what I do or don't do, I am loved; I know very well my agency, that I am free to subject myself to things that will hurt me. But I do not want anyone to hurt longer than they have to. I want to, am axious and excited to change, to be better for others. I take care of myself, practice self-love, so I can stay longer to help others.

Beware of myopic, singular, or narrow-minded thinking. Look to love others.

Healing from Depression: A Journey Towards Mental Well-Being

Shaina Tranquilino

January 14, 2024

Depression is a complex and debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you know has experienced the darkness it brings. While healing from depression may seem like an uphill battle, it's important to remember that recovery is possible. In this blog post, we will explore some practical strategies that can help you embark on your journey towards healing.

1. Seek Professional Help: The first step towards healing from depression is reaching out for professional assistance. Consult with a mental health professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. Therapy sessions and prescribed medication can be instrumental in managing depressive symptoms effectively.

2. Build a Supportive Network: Surrounding yourself with understanding and supportive individuals can make a significant difference in your healing process. Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who can provide empathy, reassurance, and encouragement on your path to recovery. Remember, you do not have to face depression alone.

3. Engage in Self-Care Activities: Engaging in self-care activities is crucial when overcoming depression. Focus on nurturing both your physical and mental well-being by incorporating activities such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, mindfulness practices (meditation or deep breathing exercises), and engaging hobbies into your routine. Prioritizing self-care helps create positive routines and fosters a sense of control over one's life.

4. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Depression often feeds off negative thoughts and distorted perceptions about oneself and the world around us. Learning to recognize these patterns of negative thinking is essential for healing. Practice replacing negative self-talk with more realistic and positive affirmations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques taught by professionals can assist in reframing negative thoughts into healthier perspectives.

5. Set Realistic Goals: Depression can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps can help regain a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Celebrate each milestone reached, no matter how small it may seem. Remember, progress is not always linear, so be patient with yourself.

6. Cultivate Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotional distress is vital when healing from depression. Explore different techniques such as journaling, practicing gratitude, engaging in creative outlets (art or music), spending time in nature, or seeking support through therapeutic activities like yoga or mindfulness-based practices.

7. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout your journey towards healing from depression. Acknowledge that recovery takes time and effort. Embrace self-compassion by accepting setbacks as part of the process without judgment or criticism. Treat yourself with patience, understanding, and love.

Healing from depression requires dedication, perseverance, and a wholehearted commitment to your well-being. While the road ahead may sometimes seem challenging, remember that you are never alone in this battle. Reach out for professional help and build a strong support network around you. Utilize various self-care strategies and coping mechanisms while cultivating self-compassion along the way. With time and consistent effort, you will gradually heal and rediscover the joy that life has to offer once again.