Happiness really can find you.

The thing about defeating depression is it can happen at any time, any place, in just one moment. All it takes is a glimpse of a life worth living. A second of a vision of an enjoyable future. 

The problem with depression is it feeds on humans. Weakening you as it gets stronger. Without attachment it dies. Depression is lazy though. It will only hang on if you stick around and give it leverage. Its favorite meal is complacency. Complacency a la Misery. Fueled by lack of change. 

The best way to kill depression is to try something new. Go somewhere you’ve never been, talk to new people, experience new things. The more explored, the better the chance to meet and recouple with hope, excitement, confidence: supportive partners for a life of success. But how does one find motivation to try new things when even just getting out of bed is a struggle?

When I was miserable, unable to envision a life worth living, I felt it was a win just surviving the day. Not for me, but for my parents, my family, my friends…the only people I was even living for. I thought I didn’t need to waste what little energy I had to find happiness, as long as I was surviving. That living a happy life was an unattainable goal and therefore not worth pursuing at all.

For me, motivation happened by accident. A new medicine added to my collection of pills that caused me physical pain and my idea to just get rid of them all. 15 years on medicine that was supposed to be helping but I felt as helpless as could be. It was my pursuit to “try something new” because it seemed like even less work to not have to take pills. And what is a depressed person’s favorite thing? A way to be even lazier. What was the worst that could happen? I already wanted to die. Lucky for me, my depression was fueled by that medicine. While I do not recommend tapering off medicine as a solution to the general public, for my specific experience being put on antidepressants at only 8 years old, removing the pills was the key that unlocked a world of possibilities. My new life. Cleared from the dark and looming clouds, free to bloom by my own watering. 

If you’re feeling stuck, feeling like a joyful life isn’t in your cards no matter how much effort you could put in, all you need is the chance to see it on your own. No one can talk you into a life worth living, you have to feel the spark yourself. Feel the sunshine beyond your depression cloud. And you will. But not in your same routine. Your depression knows this routine too well, it knows where to hide all glimmers of hope. Your depression disguises itself as a trap, but there’s always a way to shake free. 

If you feel you have nothing to lose, why not try something new? Walk a different path, follow a new account, find a new subject to learn about. If you can, move somewhere with different scenery, different faces, different activities. If you’re settled feeling unhappy because you believe there’s no other way, why not peek behind the cloud? Your only risk is leaving behind a life you hate. 

The best part of defeating depression is how quickly you get to live a life you love. Every single moment post-depression feels like the most fulfilling reward. Seeing with open eyes, hearing with peace & serenity. Confidence in your own power to be and do anything. It’s a new lease on life and one you gave yourself. Now you can find more to enjoy, feel all those good feelings. You can build on this newfound happiness and there are no limits to what you can achieve. You proved that you are all you need to succeed. Your mind controls your life and now you control your mind! Take a moment to imagine a life unburdened by depression. What are you doing? Who are you with? Now chase that feeling because it is attainable and you’re only one step away from finding it.