Dealing with Depression and joining twe

Depression is a ‘scary’ term that everyone avoids talking about but it is important to enhance people's knowledge on the topic. Depression is a mental illness that a lot of people struggle with and is well known in today's day and age.

After many years of researching mental health, I can say confidently that depression changes people and not always for the better. I am a prime example of this. Let’s just establish that Depression isn’t something that people should always look at negatively, it's just a way for your brain to cope with certain situations. You need to take time to let yourself comprehend trauma or other situations if not, you’re at risk of becoming depressed. This topic is one that I struggle to open up about but I’ve decided to finally speak about it to enlighten others on the fact that depression isn’t the same with everyone.

In my experience depression affects me the most when I forget to take my tablets. This sounds dumb but it’s so easy to forget the small things, I’m certain that I’m not the only one who forgets to take their tablets. But when I do forget, things always seem to take a turn for the worst. Without my tablets I begin to feel like I’m someone else, like an outcast in my own body - I usually become rather hostile towards people and push them away which certainly doesn’t help my situation. But don’t get me wrong, tablets aren’t some magic potion that takes away depressive thoughts. The tablets that I take (mirtazapine, which is a sertraline drug) balances the chemicals in your brain which allows you to start the day without feeling horrible and groggy. Though, you do still have to work really hard to have a positive mindset. 

When my GP suggested doing more exercise to help my mental health I didn’t really understand. How on earth can exercise help me not feel crappy? But to my surprise, it really does help, it distracts me from my own thoughts and allows me to think clearer. This next one is going to sound strange but drinking water helps too! Every atom in your body thrives when you drink water, it’s the little things that can contribute towards the bigger picture. My personal favourite way to help my mental health is to keep busy! Since lockdown, my depression and anxiety have plummeted but I’m usually a very busy guy. In normal circumstances, I go to college at 8am and return home from work at 9-10pm. Now, this might seem like overkill but I really do enjoy going to work and keeping myself busy, in fact, I think keeping busy is the one thing that keeps me going. If you feel like you’re depressed or feeling sad try and find different ways to help yourself, after all, you are the only person who can make yourself truly happy.

Cast your mind back to my previous paragraph where I spoke about my own experience with depression. It seems strange but I’ve never met anyone who has the same type of depression that I do. I often find it hard to control my feelings and I don’t really have anyone to go to about it because no one fully understands what I’m going through. But since I’ve joined TWE, things have been looking up! I’ve gained so many new friends, people appreciate me and I get the support I need constantly. TWE has taught me that people don’t need to understand what you’re going through for you to be able to speak about your problems, as long as someone is there for you, that’s all that matters. Every member of TWE is compassionate and accepting, they’ve all helped me grow as a person and now I’m able to see light at the end of the tunnel. Just to put it into perspective for you, I’ve only joined TWE within the last few months and everyone here is already feeling like my second family. 

So if you’re even thinking about joining us, do! There are so many roles here and I guarantee you’ll find one that sticks out for you. Until then, have a good one.

-Cody
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