Depression + Quarantine
Like most people I have been in quarantine for about 7 weeks. I have not completely lost my mind, and honestly have only had one breakdown. I am writing this for myself but also for people who need to hear it from somebody else, we will get through this.
I’ve been telling myself that even though this is a scary time, life is not over, it just changed on us. I miss the small things, and I really miss the things I used to complain about. I look at life so differently now. I actually look at this pandemic as a wake-up call for myself. Anybody else feel the same way? Yeah I feel stuck and confused 90% of the time, but at the end of the day I just can't help but think about all the good things. As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I have really shown myself that I am way stronger than I think I am.
I have seen many posts and tweets from people who are struggling with their depression and anxiety and how they can’t see the light at the end of this tunnel. My heart breaks for those people and I know that nothing I say can really change the way that they feel, trust me, I know. But that does not mean I am not going to continue to try to uplift people in this time of need. I want to share a few things that have helped me get through this time and what has stopped me from falling into a deep hole. I hope that what helped me will help those seek a better life for themselves.
Plants
I have always loved gardening. Growing up in Germany, my Oma had a tomato vine on her porch and I remember how excited I used to get picking tomatoes off of it. My Opa had a tree fence around the backyard and I remember how serious he was when it came to taking care of them. I feel that plants take me back to Germany and it makes me feel really good inside because it is a place I feel like I left a piece of my heart. So, a few weeks ago I went to Lowes and got a bunch of plants that I stuck around the house and seeing them in the morning and throughout the day really fuel my happiness and of course they naturally clean the atmosphere. I am trying not to go crazy with buying plants because I am not sure how long I will be in Utah, but I have enough to release positive energy in my space. Do some research on plants and find the one that will give you the energy you need during this time.
Find the perfect plant for you with this guide!
Aromatherapy
I love essential oils!!! I have always used natural remedies and prayer to help with my depression and anxiety, and what better time to invest in essential oils than now. I have two diffusers, one in my bedroom and another in the living room. I started off using oils that helped cleanse the air and at night I use oils that release negative energy. On top of me loving the smell, I love the idea of using essential oils to help eliminate the negative energy. I do feel that the nights I leave my diffuser on I feel more peaceful in the morning. Yeah, it may just be a mind thing, but it works for me so I don’t see the reason to try to figure out the science behind it and just enjoy the way it makes me feel. There are so many options for essential oils, I have about 20 and I research each one! I promise there is one out there that will help you with what you need.
Guide to choosing the perfect essential oil for you!
Silence
I have never been a fan of silence. I used to hate meditating because my mind could never quiet down and I get lost in my fears. I have taken silent breaks throughout my day just to get a break from this crazy situation we are in. If that means taking a hour walk in silence I’ll do it, or if it just means taking a long shower just to distract myself from my thoughts, I do it. I can sit on my bed and not think for at least 10 minutes and that is major growth for me. Taking baby steps while sitting in silence has allowed me to control my thoughts throughout the day. Keeping the positive thoughts in longer instead of allowing my anxiety to take control of me.
Speaking Honestly
I have used this opportunity to speak my mind on my feelings before they take control of my mind. Usually I don’t speak my mind until I have reached my cap and I just explode. Now, I express how I feel, but not aggressively and more calmer. This has definitely helped me not to overthink and just release my thoughts in a positive way. I sleep better knowing that I have nothing on my chest. I also feel that doing this has allowed my relationship to grow in ways I did not know it needed.
Interacting with Others and Sharing my Testimony
I have always been a social butterfly, I love interacting with people. One thing that I do that can be negative at times, is that I feed off of others energy. I feel like God has always pushed me to tell others about how good life is, even though I struggle with remembering that myself. Interacting with others during this time has been very therapeutic for me. Sharing my testimony has hopefully helped others, it has definitely helped me remember that everything is going to work out the way God intends to. I know it is hard to see the good in all of this, but the trauma that some of us have experienced should be a reminder that things are okay.
The church service I have been watching every Sunday!
I know that this epidemic is something that we never saw coming, but so are the many blessings that God has planned for us. We can’t expect everything to go smoothly in life. Things aren’t always going to go our way and that's okay. It is also okay, to NOT BE OKAY. I have cried and have wanted to give up so many times in my life but then I remind myself what would life be if I knew everything that was going to happen, good and bad. Remind yourself of all the things you’ve gone through and all the times you thought you could not keep going. Things are going to get better! Even if things do not go back to the way you remember it, you will still be breathing and have a beautiful life to live. I love you and I am keeping everyone in my prayers!
Photography has always been my secret love, so during this time I have been playing with my tools and hopefully will master a few.
