To Each Their Own: Dealing With Mental Health
Start writing a post
Featured

To Each Their Own: Dealing With Mental Health

This is just a quick response to a post I saw that basically shamed other people for how they choose to deal with their mental health.

6598
To Each Their Own: Dealing With Mental Health
The CW

For those who have lived with depression for really any length of time, (because severity is not based on how long since you've been diagnosed), you ought to know how difficult it is somedays to function properly.

To get out of bed. To eat something other than almonds and a glass of water, if you eat anything at all. How hard it is to put a smile on your face when your mind is screaming at you.

So this one goes out to the girl who wrote an article explaining to the world that going to the gym helps with depression and the rest of us should really start going, too.

I initially saw your article spread over my Facebook page, which wasn't new or surprising. The headline caught my attention and I thought that maybe it was meant to catch an eye and the article wasn't actually about how the rest of us are inferior. I read it, I liked it, I just have an issue with it...and apparently, so do the several comments under your article.

I appreciate that this thing works for you, and I'm glad that you've found the thing that makes you feel better but I would appreciate if you didn't write it as if it were the Holy Grail and the rest of us are wrong.

Because yes, some days when things get especially hard, running or walking or doing SOMETHING helps a lot. But most of the time it's that curl up in bed in the same clothes you've been wearing for three days and tell yourself you should really shower but taking that shower would take all the energy you have left in you.

My preference for managing my depression isn't the gym. It's doing art. Creating and building things to get my thoughts out without having to spend all my energy. Trust me, I enjoy that post-workout energy boost as much as the next person, but when getting dressed is hard enough it's not the best option.

I'm the person that you won't hear from for days on end because I'm trapped in my head. I'm the person that finds it hard to leave the bed/apartment because that means I have to interact with people and pretend my own mind isn't tearing me apart. I find it hard enough to function with my depression and anxiety and personally, the gym isn't going to help.

I don't deserve to be shamed for that. Each person deals with their mental health differently. Some people go to the gym, some do art, some color their hair and get piercings, some watch Netflix. We'll figure out what works for us, but don't shame us because of what works for you.

Report this Content
Featured

5 Different Religions And Their Unique Christmas Celebrations

From Hanukkah Lights to Nativity Scenes: 5 Faiths' Unique Takes on the Christmas Spirit

56427
Christmas traditions

The Holidays are a time for being with friends and family and celebrating the birth of Christ, but sometimes we forget to acknowledge the other religions and what they celebrate. Some religions like the Islam do not even celebrate Christmas and then you have others, the Buddhists, who use the holiday to practice their religion of spreading peace and goodwill. In no particular order, I would like to demonstrate a little culture about the ways Christmas is celebrated or is not celebrated throughout five different religions.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

12 Reasons Why I Love Christmas

What's Not To Love? But These Reasons Are Why Christmas Is Best

39645
Young woman with open arms enjoying the snow on a street decorated with Christmas lights.
Pixabay

There are so many reasons why I love the Christmas time! Check out the joy that makes this time of year truly special, from festive traditions to heartwarming moments. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

A Beginner's Wine Appreciation Course

While I most certainly do not know everything, I feel like I know more than the average 21-year-old about vino, so I wrote this beginner's wine appreciate course to help YOU navigate the wine world and drink like a pro.

9864
White wine being poured into a glass
Pexels


Keep Reading...Show less
Types of ice cream

Who doesn't love ice cream? People from all over the world enjoy the frozen dessert, but different countries have their own twists on the classic treat.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

100 Reasons to Choose Happiness

Happy Moments to Brighten Your Day!

47025
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments