My worst episode of depression I literally did not leave my bed unless I absolutely had to for three months. I'd go to work, to the store when necessary, take care of the responsibilities with the kids. When this was done, however, it was right back to the bed. My kids would come in there to talk to me. My now ex-husband moved himself into the room when he was home as well. I love my bed. It's safe, comfortable, warm, dependable, accepts me completely as I am and expects absolutely nothing from me. Why would I ever want to leave it? Oh ya, those lingering pesky desires I don't think I have.
Depression has a way of convincing us we feel nothing, or like we are dead inside. If this were true we would be completely content and have no issues in life at all. Depression also convinces us that there's no point in trying if I'm always going to feel like this. You can't possibly have "always felt like this," and characterize it as negative, if you've never experienced the positive. Ignorance is bliss and be it your life, someone else's, or even a movie, you've experienced a feeling "better than this" to be aware there's something "wrong" with you. If you want to heal, you have to begin to seek these experiences in your life.
If something sparks your interest, explore it. Find hobbies, look into work you could and would enjoy doing, seek out environments and activities that appeal to you. These are the places you can be the best version of yourself. Being in these situations also ensures you find people who will be capable of being good support systems for you if you stumble. If you're trying to fight your depression and you find all your healing passion in art and theater, you aren't going to find a strong support system in times of crisis with someone who hates art.
No, you do not have to have everything in common with the people in your life, but remember, you are already compromising on a daily basis in this world. This does not mean that the world should cater to you because you have compromised. You don't have to live in a world of rules and regulations. You can find a package of seeds, find a deserted piece of land, build a hut, grow a small garden and live in peace forever if you want to. You struggle because there is something you do want and you can't achieve it. You want to succeed in this world and, for the individual with depression, that comes with added compromise for you and anyone close to you. The reality is, the external environment you surround yourself in will significantly influence the challenge of your journey.
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