The D-word!
Shhh, let’s just not talk about it! That down and dirty “D” word, depression.
We live in a society of mental health challenges, there is so much playing on our minds. Worry, anxiety, and yes that “d” word, depression. Depression that a lot of people walk around with and hide.
I am one of those people, I have been fighting and hiding this all year. Yes, me, the high energy woman, driven, focused, successful and more. Well, not so much lately.
First of all, I am not a mental health specialist, I am, however, recovering from an anxiety disorder, recovering perfectionist, recovering from exercise bulimia, and constantly recovering from my Hag in the Attic control freak mindset.
I also believe that living in an electronic world has heightened our mental issues. Google this, text this, post this and that, distance from humanity. A BIG HUGE GAP!!! So let’s pick up our devices some more.
You can be whatever you want to be on social media, an entrepreneur making six figures in 90 days, a heart-centered driven coach for other coaches, traveling the world without leaving your home and so much more. Some of this is true, and some of this is false. My point here is ideology and comparing… (like I said I am not a specialist).
Comparing can be one of the worst forms of destruction on a person, and trust me I know. Not only did I compare myself to others, especially in the early days of my business, I also place people high up on pedestals only to be completely disappointed. Disappointment, anxious days, adrenal burn out, poor business decisions, partnering with people that were let’s just say, not partner standards. It wasn’t always this bad, but enough for me to share.
This all started a downward spiral. I really could fake it until I make it, yet another downward spiral. It all took a toll on my mental health.
My Hag chiming in telling me I’m fake, who will find out?
I’ve had a lot of success, but I’ve also dealt with people with weak integrity that sent me into a tailspin. I discovered I had more belief in others than they did. That my integrity I thought was great, however, I was attracting less.
Typing this reminds how much I have grown, the strength each day, confidence, that sometimes isn’t always at its peak, I was attracting too much too little – really fast.
This all leads me to today, that D word. Do I stay in bed for hours on end? NO! Have I in my life? Yes, many years ago. My mental health is in a different place now. This doesn’t mean I struggle with some tasks. I do have my self-doubt moments with tears, but what this all means is I turn it all over to God.
A few years ago, I used to go running to friends in a tizzy, and yes, I still do some of that, but now I wait, breathe and turn to a conversation with God.
I know with His strength I am slowly getting back on track.
With His guidance, I will step into clarity, which will lessen the depression and anxiety.
I no longer compare myself to others. Instead, I am building a community with Beth Michener Coulton for women to have “Real Conversations Among Friends.” It is so needed. (Message me if you are interested)
My real is just this, I am careful not letting my worth dance with money and titles, I am careful to care for myself, every day, I am careful not to get tangled up with my nasty thoughts in my head, I am careful to walk away from situations that do not serve me and I cannot serve as well, and I am careful not to ever start my day without the guidance of God!
Peace,
Kim
So many will recognise this in their lives, including me. The months at the end of 2017 were darker for me. I dragged myself through it and feel like Janaury is a new beginning. Most days;-)
I think some level of depression hits many people at some point in their lives. The beauty is recognizing it, acknowledging it and doing things to move past it. Every day is a chance for a new beginning. <3
Girlfriend, you do not need to be a specialist to be of service. You are genuinely sharing of yourself and this is hugely beneficial to you and to those that surround you.
I think comparing oneself to others is a major form of anxiety, especially as a self-employed woman who equates success by her place with the competition.
There is also the issue of technology moving so fast. Just when you think you’ve caught up and understand what you need to do to succeed, they change the F*ing algorithms or platform. It’s enough to make you tear you’re hair out. [[breathe]]
I hope you continue to find peace and seek peace. It’s what keeps us going!
Boundaries, balance and on your terms. Sounds easy but it’s actually something we have to learn to do and apply to our lives. when we do have our eyes awakened through God’s principles it really places these 3 things into reality. Mental health issues are too swept under the carpet and people in the world need to know that their not alone and your journey will help them.
Good points Kim, comparing in particular can be so self destructive. I did that a lot when starting out as an entertainer and it never helps.
Never, never, never. I even compare what God does for others. So damn crazy. One day at a time
I agree with you so much about technology contributing to mental health issues and also I’ve noticed that so many bloggers seem to suffer from problems…. and I’ve just written post about why I think that is … but I think we all need to be really careful how society and our lives in general develop over the next few years because we have some really unhealthy ways of life developing in my opinion ! I hope you are doing ok, it sounds like you have really good self-awareness which I’m sure helps x
Yes I do and I am doing fine. And we do need to be extra aware over the next few years, or humanity will be gone.
Wonderful article, your blog is very helpful for me, I am also suffering from depression
Thanks for providing this blog.
Thank you. I hope you are getting the support you need!