My BATTLE with DEPRESSION…

[@judithkrmrs8533]

Hi Rakeem, thank you very much sharing your experiences with depression! It is easy to feel strong when life is good to you, you feel like you are in total control and begin to take credit for everything good that is happening to you. Just when life hits you with a horrible illness, someone you love dies or the world changes around you, like with covid, you realise that having control was an absolute illusion. You suddenly experience yourself as "weak" and you feel ashamed because you believe weakness is something bad. I believe it is only bad or harmful when you believe you shouldn't feel it. Let's look at nature. Rigid branches break during a storm. Even strong branches do. Have you ever tried to break a young, flexible, "weak" branch? They usually bend 360° until they snap. A storm is not able to break them. They don't, because they don't even try to resist. They just surrender to the higher force and when the storm is gone, those rigid, strong branches lay scattered on the ground, while the flexible ones reach the sky, as if nothing happened. What about the animal world you say? You see a lion with it's big sharp teeth and claws, it's muscular physique and the agility they are able to hunt down their prey. And you believe the lion is strong. But 9 in 10 attempts at hunting are unsuccessful for the lions. Their true strength is to not lose faith. To regain energy and try again. And again. And again. And again. Even when the odds are against them. Flexibility and adaption to the circumstances is what nature teaches us as strength. You, sharing your "weakness" openheartedly with the world is the strongest act I have seen all week! I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate it! ❤😎💪 PS: I tried to resist my own diagnosis with depression for years, trying everything possible to cut it out of my identity. Being on the spiritual path for quite some time now, I am beginning to learn, that nothing ever diminishes when you fight against it. I'm currently listening to Michael Singer to learn how to embrace life and every experience it presents to me.

[@cathylocklin3215]

Thank you for being so honest & vulnerable. I have struggled with depression my whole life, & was abused by family members as well. And it does change your view of people & the world. I am quite a bit older than you, I try to help others, & be a good person. That’s all we can do. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.

[@_rakeem]

Yes we have to keep moving forward no matter what. Life is still worth living. Thank you for sharing Cathy🙏🏽

[@simmic3766]

My son is suffering it at the moment.😢 It’s so painful to see him suffering. I admire you, for being so open and real. Good luck on your life’s endeavour 👍🤞🙏

[@_rakeem]

Just trying to put the message out there that you are not alone in this journey. I hope it reaches the people that need to hear it.

[@morpheusmatrix1073]

Stay strong bro. With sickle cell desease I Can tell how its feel to not have someone to connect with. Thanks for sharing.

[@_rakeem]

You got this, it’s reassuring to hear other people that go through something similar to this. Thank you for your comment.