“Katie, I don’t hear joy in anything you just listed.” I sat there looking at my doctor. Stunned. I had been talking about the extreme fatigue I had been experiencing lately. Between that and some weight gain, I worried it was my thyroid. I was listing off all the things I try to do in … More Depression sucks the joy out of my life
Think of depression as a really big room. Basketball court size. And all around the outside walls are doors. Dozens and dozens of doors. I am standing in the middle of the room with the doors open wide. Light streaming in. Heat from the sun warming the space. Colors highlighting the walls and floor. Happy … More The doors of depression
How to stay in the present and attempt to be mindful when living with depression and anxiety? This was one of the topics asked of me to hit on the month of May for Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are a few things that I have been doing more and more lately and have seen … More How to be more present and mindful while living with a mental illness
We talk about ending the stigma of mental illness. We seek acceptance on living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. We share our stories. We claim I am 1 in 5. We ink permanent reminders on our bodies for a constant picture to keep going. We demand to be seen. To be heard. To … More Acceptance of mental illness starts with you and me
Lately, the good days have been adding up. The struggle through the holidays wasn’t as brutal. Laughter and smiles more frequent and less forced. Favorite activities such as reading and exploring are present and active. My tools and antidepressants are working. And working well. Everything I do on a daily basis to treat my depression … More I will never stop treating my depression
Last week, I made the decision to call my doctor and increase my antidepressant medication for the winter. I dread the holidays. And the last two winters left me in a severe and active depressive state. Therefore, this year, I am being proactive and increase my meds and introducing new tools and techniques in helping … More Tools and techniques for seasonal affective disorder and depression
****This is a personal account. Please seek the advice from a professional or your doctor before starting, ending, or switching medications. Not all medications work the same for everyone. Talk to your doctor to find the right one for you**** Okay. Let’s talk about my new medication. I switched from paroxetine (SSRI) and now … More My new antidepressant doesn’t cure my depression
This vacation was a year in the making. Some sun. Some sand. Some wedding festivities. A perfect reason to jet down south and take in a Mexican holiday. Winter was rough. ROUGH. I found myself slugging through depression again. I was mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. I welcomed this vacation with open arms. The day … More Thank you Mexico for reminding me
“Katie, I don’t want you to kill yourself.” My friend called me earlier this week and wanted to hear herself how I was doing. She knows I am knee deep in depression and I am transitioning to new medication. She wanted me to know that she is here for me whether it be 2 pm … More My depression reality
Oh the time has come. I knew it would. These past few months just seemed harder. Longer. Darker. I chalked it up to Seasonal Affective Disorder. I prepared and tackled. I used all my tricks up my sleeve. Yet, here I am at the end of March still drifting aimlessly. I admitted it even. I … More I am fighting for myself and changing my medication
Lovely in the Dark 