"Sometimes when things fall apart, they may actually be falling into place"
Wow did I just say that?
Really your probably thinking 'go to hell', 'who the hell are you to say such a thing' and 'what do you know'?
Perhaps 3 years ago when I was at my worst I may have had a similar reaction but perhaps there is some truth in that. I was working in the corporate world for 8 years, slowly working my way up the ladder. Recently married, I fell pregnant with my first child when I felt the shift and stigma of working in a 'mans world'. The discrimination, the unrealistic work load, the inappropriate allocation of duties. It got tougher, uglier and stressful to a point where I quit my job for the sake of my unborn weeks out from due date.
While off work I was watching a documentary which asked this very question and I decided to think, ok ill be a little open minded here (considering my background is in allied health). I came to the realisation that from an alternate perspective feeling low or experiencing symptoms of depression can serve as a catalyst that something is not right, there are wounds that need healing, or you've pushed yourself a little too hard, that it was 'the straw that broke the camels back'. Sometimes something has to give. Fact is everything happens for a reason and perhaps its time for CHANGE.
Ask yourself have you ever wondered why 'bad things' happen to good people. Why trauma or a crises can stop you in your path and re-direct you to another path. From a storm there's a rainbow. You might not see it now but one day you will look back and realise yes, it was the best thing that ever happened to me because from a personal perspective I am now living my true purpose, doing what I love most.
But for those who may be suffering from depression and can't see the positives here are some questions that might help you on your journey:
1. Ask yourself will what is happening to me now matter in 5 years time?
Most of the time the answer probably will be no, that nothing is worth getting that worked up over to a point where you are no longer able to cope. Dr Wayne Dyer once said 'With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself. or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow, or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose".
2. Remove yourself from the environment or situation that is causing you grief.
There is nothing like time out to help clear your mind, refocus and sort out your thought processes. I came across a beautiful quote 'sometimes, you just need a break, in a beautiful place, alone, to figure everything out'. Where is your happy place? Now go there...
3. What changes do you need to make right NOW?
Antidepressants can help in the short term but if you carry on doing the same thing which may have lead to you getting depressed, these antidepressants aren't going to work. Of you keep doing the same thing, you are going to get the same results. Do what you must to make the necessary changes no matter how difficult it may appear to be - change careers, end relationships, move locations. Sometimes its better to stop focusing on the door that's closed and start seeing the one ahead that's been open to you. The door is closed behind you for a reason.
4. Get the right support.
Keep communications open. Talk to someone you feel comfortable with, someone whose shoulder you can cry on. Depending on the severity, seek professional health. There are free mental health plans available or private health professionals who specialise in depression.
5. Start looking after yourself
The importance of eating the right food, exercise, drinking plenty of water. If you feel like you are in a rut try going for a walk, having a hot bath, trying aromatherapy, meditation and yoga. These are the little things you can do. Remember 'the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step/ and I like to add 'to recovery'.
Stress HealthIf you need help, please consult with your health care professionals for aid or assistance
Lifeline 13 11 14
