The opposite of depression

 

The opposite of depression is expression.

I read this quote on a TikTok post and was immediately inspired. I agree full heartedly. The most effective way for me to manage my depression is to create something. This can mean I paint a picture, draw a maze, create a TikTok, write a poem, read a book (and compose a world within my mind guided by another's words) or post to this blog (which I have been absent from of late).

The challenge is to start. Depression is devious and will try to discourage any activities beyond itself. It will offer up excuses such as writers block or lack of inspiration. It will say I am not qualified, or I don't have the time or space or motivation to properly explore a subject. It will tell me I really don't want to bother, that I would do better to doom scroll until my phone tells me to enter the password. I have never actually looked into what the time threshold is but whatever the case I surpass it everyday.

The other argument that depression makes is the lack of audience. If no one is there to appreciate my efforts then what's the point. I am writing letters into babbling brook. I would be lying if I didn't admit I would love to have more followers, to actually share my words and thoughts but that doesn't take away from the fact that creating in and of itself eases my depression. It brings its own satisfaction and lifts the weight. The focus is on expression, being in the moment and forgetting the hopelessness of the future.