The Journey is Not Short
Well my friends, it’s been a while since I’ve shared much about my depression and anxiety journey. Mostly because I’ve been feeling pretty good most days! However, I think it’s important to be honest with you about where I’m at, in the event you’re going through something similar and just need to know you’re not alone on this journey.
While I’ve shared my depression story on-and-off over the past six years, I think in the video below, it was the first time I combined my life-saving details and why I’m a wellness coach together. I don’t think there will ever come a time when I’ll be able to get through this story without crying. And I hope there never is, because this is a big part of my journey and something I still deal with in my life. Always will, I’m sure.
Just One Person
That’s all it takes in this world. Just one. If as a sister, friend, daughter, niece, aunt, co-worker, mentor or coach – if I can help just one other person on their journey, then I am fulfilled.
When it comes to matters of depression, anxiety, PTSD or any other form of mental health, for me, it is not about helping the masses. It’s about saving one life at a time. Now, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t thousands of people who are suffering from mental illness.
I just mean, for me, I don’t think there is one solution that works for everyone. Some of us respond to medication, some to therapy, some to improvements in the food we eat, some with exercise, the list goes on and on.
The Many Faces
But what I can say with certainty is that there are many faces of depression. And most of us who are suffering wear a smile to mask the hurt inside. We work really hard to make others believe that everything is okay. But look closely, you’ll see the pain in our eyes. If you’re dealing with an introvert, expect them to be more withdrawn than normal. Dealing with an extrovert? If it feels like they are going way above and beyond, keep a pulse on them.
This photo – a perfect case in point. On the left, just two weeks before I had planned to be done with it all. Smiling (sort of). Trying to put on a brave face for the sweet little girl taking my picture. The same sweet girl who helped save me.
Six years, a lot of tears, sweat, hard conversations, a little therapy, more hard conversations and tears. And here I am, healing. A work in progress. Still dealing with my depression demons, still taming my anxiety.
Depression Does Not Discriminate
It’s my passion to help one person at a time, no matter if you’re a new mom with postpartum struggles. New in your career dealing with the pressures of learning your role and climbing the ladder. In a high-risk job where getting stress relief to clear your head is imperative. Or just human. An incredible human working hard to do it all, to give your family an incredible life. These are all faces of depression and anxiety and all of that can weigh on you to the point where you feel like you’ll never make anyone happy. Including yourself.
So, no matter what you’re feeling. Maybe it’s not depression, maybe it’s just stress. Maybe you’re just in a funk and can’t figure out what’s going on? Let’s chat. I’m not a therapist, but I’ll get you resources if that’s what you need. Maybe you need help getting into a new routine or simply just need someone to talk to or text.
Reach out to me at tiffany@fitactivelife.com any time. Or visit these websites to research tools below and resources if you’re not quite ready to talk to someone.
There’s help! You’re worth every breath, and we need you here with us, living your best life!
xo, Tiff
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America: 1-240-485-1001
National Institute of Mental Health: 1-866-615-6464
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Mental Health, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
American Psychological Association: 1-800-374-2721