I tend towards depression, always have. It’s not surprising, I have a chronic illness (Crohn’s disease) and a lot of the medication I take causes depression. In addition, when I’m in pain, I’m depressed. But we all deal with depression in some form or fashion in our lives. Whether it’s after a tragedy, during a difficult time in our lives, after a setback or failure, or even simply a blue day because of the weather.
I take medication for depression, but I’ve learned that there is one surefire way for me to deal with the blues – to write. On days where I spend time writing, adding pages and chapters to a current book, or rewriting what I’ve already written, I have a general feeling of well being. I feel balanced and in control. I’m more patient with my children and husband, and I’m more likely to get things done around the house. On the other hand, if I ignored my writing, I’m cranky and short with everyone. I go to bed feeling like I got nothing accomplished, even if I cleaned the house or finished a to do list.
Writing has become necessary to me. It’s my lifeblood, it’s my passion. It lifts me up and makes me a better person. This seems to ring true for a lot of creative people I know. What is your passion? Do you feel better after an afternoon creating? Do you feel like you’ve accomplished something? If so, we may have discovered a way to get us through the cold months of winter, when tempers are short and moods are low.
Comment and tell me how you fight the blues. Or about a time when you fought depression and won. Are you fighting depression now? Message me, I’ve been there.
