• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Mental Health Resources
    • Depression Resources
  • Blog
    • Coping
    • Medication
    • Self Care
    • Stress and Anxiety
    • Unhelpful thinking
      • Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
      • Fortune-Telling
      • Guilt and Shame
      • Time Travel
    • Sleep Issues
    • Depression
    • Covid19
    • Suicide & Self-Harm
    • Wellness Tools
      • SMART – Self Management And Recovery Training
      • WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
      • Change Triangle
  • Contact

“I Suffer From Depression.” Here’s What I Am Learning.

Turnaround
You are here: Home / Featured Home / A week and a half seemed like forever

A week and a half seemed like forever

September 26, 2019 by Depression Is Not My Boss Leave a Comment

It was the longest I have been away since I was in the hospital.

Knowing my schedule was going to be crowded, I got into two meetings the week before. Then I worked eight days straight in order to be off to travel.

And yesterday, even though I was back, I had an appointment with my therapist. This was a great chance to discuss what I learned at the SMART Conference and how it helped me learn more about self-care.

Today was my first time back to my Peer Support Group in almost 10 days.  

I felt a sense of relief when I walked through the doors. Everyone still knew my name and was as welcoming as I remembered. There was a chance to visit with some people before the meeting. I was able to catch up and learn what was going on in peoples lives. This was very satisfying and reassuring. There is something different about walking in the door.

First, in my book, everyone there is a hero.

They have superpowers beyond imagination. I am in awe of their courage and commitment to live a balanced life. As I listen to them share their thoughts, struggles, and successes, I am inspired.

Second, I always leave with my batteries recharged.

It is my happy place, a place where I can be my authentic self. I don’t have to question what I am going to say or try to filter my thoughts, so they are “acceptable.” I can share exactly what is on my mind, without shame or guilt.

Now the reality of my schedule is rearing its ugly head.

Looking at the rest of the week, I won’t be able to attend any additional meetings with my support group this week. And knowing how my day job schedule is (even though I won’t have the actual schedule until I get to work this afternoon), it will be the middle of next week before I can get there again.

But just knowing they are there, supporting everyone who walks through the door is comforting.

I can go there in my mind anytime I want. That is a new feeling, that I am not alone, even when I am not in my support group. I can feel their thoughts and their concerns for my recovery as I go through my day. And I hope they can feel the love and respect I have for each of them as they live their lives and face their challenges.

It is possible I can drop in before going to my day job.

It would not be for one of the meetings I attend, but I would be there. And yes, it is 30 minutes in the wrong direction for going to work, but the more I think about it, the more drawn I am to the idea. I have mapped out (thank you Google maps) the route I would take from there to work, and it is only a little further than going from my house. I live at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are less then 9 miles from Skyline Drive.

This is my other happy place.

Hummingbirds, black bears, deer, rabbits, skunks, raccoons, hawks, fox, weasels, American bald eagles and other creatures all share the land with us. You never know what you will see when you sit on the front or back porch. And this is a great way to recharge. But the energy I get from people is more important.

My self-care includes getting to as many support meetings as possible.

And I am doing that. I am making the commitment. I am going even if it is not as convenient as staying home. I am going even if I do not feel like it. I am going even if my depression tells me it won’t be worth the energy.

The rewards of going outweigh any obstacles for me going. I am so appreciative of the support I receive. Depression knows that every time I go, I move further away from its grip, it’s control over me. So, it hates my support group. Which makes me even more committed to going where everyone knows my name.

Where do you feel welcomed?

Filed Under: Featured Home, Self Care, therapy, Unhelpful thinking Tagged With: concealed depression, depression

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

I write My Concealed Depression to create Mental Health AwarenessHello, I am Joel. I have Major Depressive Disorder.  I am genuinely determined to figure out my personal relationship with depression. With 40+ years of living with concealed depression, I write my blog to find answers. 

I once got so carried away searching for answers that I even earned a  certification in  SMART Recovery. 

Get my latest posts, (your email is never sold or rented)

I developed a 38 Page Mental Health Tools Flipbook. Complete the Form and Get Your Free Copy Now.

Privacy Policy

Discover Self-Care, Coping Strategies, Understand Anxiety, Track your Triggers, Mood, and Sleep; Recap Therapy Sessions, and more.

https://myconcealeddepression.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/my-concealed-depression-intro.mp4
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

More to See

The startling truth about coping statements for anxiety and depression

The Startling Truth About Coping Statements For Anxiety and Depression

October 28, 2020 By Depression Is Not My Boss

My 101 Coping Strategies for Anxiety

My 101 Best Coping Statements For Anxiety and Depression

October 18, 2020 By Depression Is Not My Boss

Am I Able to Be Happier, to Feel Joy?

January 24, 2023 By Depression Is Not My Boss

Depression almost kept me from summiting mount Kilimanjaro with unhelpful, all or nothing thinking

What Made Depression Almost Keep Me From Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro?

January 21, 2023 By Depression Is Not My Boss

You Never Pay More, Yet Clicking These Links And Making a Purchase Helps Fund My Blog

PureFormulas.com-Pure Healthy Goodness, Highest-Grade Natural Supplements! Fast, Free Shipping!
Mosaic 250x250
Blog Meets Brand
Your Page Title

Footer

Contact

Email:  my.concealed.depression@gmail.com

Privacy Policy

Recent

  • Is My Anxiety Because I Am Still Unpacking from Africa?
  • Am I Able to Be Happier, to Feel Joy?
  • What Made Depression Almost Keep Me From Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro?
  • 3 Years and 9 Months After Admitting Depression, I Can Say Merry Christmas
  • What I Learned Having Skin Cancer Removed from My Face

Search

© Copyright 2020 · My Concealed Depression · All Rights Reserved · Designed by The Marketing Momma