Weekly Prompt #26: Think about a metaphor that represents your experience with depression in 2023.
Welcome back, group! I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed: How do the expectations and social pressure surrounding the holidays affect your mood and energy levels? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts and questions for discussion. They were thought-provoking questions and thoughts. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you
This week's prompt: Think about a metaphor that represents your experience with depression in 2023. What image or symbol comes to mind?
Please know all thoughts and experiences are valid so no matter how small or big it seems, do share with us and we will discuss our thoughts on it together.
@ASilentObserver 🤔🤔 I would say 2023 was like a magic carpet ride, over a calm sea that was just a mirror reflection ❤
Yep! Sometimes I even say brainy things😁😁
@Tinywhisper11 It sounds like 2023 brought some calm and reflection for you. Having moments of insight or seeing things in a new way can be enjoyable. You have a playful spirit as well. What kinds of things have you been reflecting on during this time?
@ASilentObserver just how lucky I am. I'm alive, I'm free, I am so very lucky ❤❤
@ASilentObserver
Going down a very steep downhill in a cart, the speed constantly escalating. Still unclear when the bottom comes in the way, but we'll see.
@OneErased puts cushions at the bottom, for a safe Lansing ❤
@OneErased That metaphor captures the feeling of uncertainty and lack of control that can come with depression. The constant speeding up downhill must be difficult to experience. You spoke with wisdom about seeing where the bottom may be in time. What has helped you cope so far in the journey?
@ASilentObserver
Mainly my partner and my shrink. But that's a whole different double edged sword right there.
@OneErased It sounds like your partner and therapist have helped you cope so far. Having support can make such a difference. Would you like to share a bit more about what makes their support feel like a double-edged sword at times?
@ASilentObserver
They tend to get all kinda hate from me due to my mental problems, stuff they don't deserve at all. And makes me feel worse afterwards. Plus all the good my partner does for me is shadowed by the fact I can't remember those things. It's difficult to battle your demons when positivity doesn't seem to exist.
@ASilentObserver
My depression in 2023 can be described as a hamster in a rotating wheel, who's tired and doesn't know how to stop the wheel, but still managed to pass through the year🙂.
@Blahblah1805 puts glue on the wheel, to slow the hamster down ❤❤ and gives you a giant tiny hug
@Tinywhisper11
Aww Lola thank you so much❤!!! I love you.
*hugs you tight*
@Blahblah1805 I loves you more ❤❤❤
@Blahblah1805 That metaphor captures the exhausting experience of feeling trapped in depression. It takes strength to keep going despite feeling tired and unsure of how to find relief. You have shown resilience in managing to get through this past year. What has helped you continue moving forward each day?
@ASilentObserver
Well everyday I wake up I don't feel like doing anything but after that I dress up well and wear my favorite clothes I guess that in some way helps me move forward with the day.
@Blahblah1805 It sounds like getting dressed in your favorite clothes helps you feel a bit better when starting each day. I am glad you've found something that provides some comfort. You mentioned continuing to move forward - is there anything else, however small, that helps you take one step at a time?
@ASilentObserver
Yeah there are some of my friends who try to motivate me, so talking to them or meeting them sometimes helps me. Though I can't bother them everyday but they do help on some extremely tough days.
It's been like walking in those kneee high puddles of muddy water. Getting one foot in front of the other is difficult, but still you try. It's like something is constantly holding you back and sometimes you trip and fall and it feels like drowning but still you get up to keep walking.
@SleepyPersonForever Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like struggling with depression has been a difficult journey, like wading through deep muddy waters while constantly facing challenges. You are resilient in your efforts to take care of yourself despite facing setbacks. What has helped you find the strength to keep walking through difficult times?
I always keep reminding myself my daughter deserves a good mom, so giving up is not an option. I have to keep fighting to get better.
I’m at the bottom of a muddy pit, the sides are slick, giving no purchase, and the water level is rising. That sums up 2023.
@pluckySummer2923 That metaphor captures the struggles you have faced this year. It sounds like being stuck in that muddy pit has left you feeling overwhelmed and without options. You mentioned the water level rising - is there anything that gives you hope it may recede in the future? Please know that you are not alone in experiencing difficult times and that challenges often prepare us for what's to come. We are all here with you to listen to and to support.
@ASilentObserver a sucker. Bc it sucks the energy out of you 😅
@mish3l That's an insightful metaphor that depression can feel like being drained of energy. What was it like sharing how you have experienced depression this year? I hope next year be easy and bring progress for you, we are all here rooting for you.
@ASilentObserver Thanks Obs ❤️ it does get better. Very very slowly and with a lot of fallbacks but it does.
I hope everyone who has to fight with this gets better soon. Have hope everyone, the sucker is not forever and better days will come.
My year has been like a gigantic question mark!
❓
Why? How? When? What?
Mostly something like "What the (insert favorite bad word here) is going on here? And Why? And how am I supposed to deal with that???"
@GoingInCircles365 A question mark is a fitting metaphor for the uncertainty this year has brought. It sounds like so many things have been beyond your control, leaving you with many questions but few answers. If I can ask what has helped you make sense of things in the past, even on days with more question marks than periods?
I've spent my entire life stuck in a rut. I feel like an old pick-up truck trying to drive through a muddy field and I just keep spinning my wheels.
Actually, it was because feeling this way made me realize I needed counseling. I kept trying to move by myself and I couldn't do it. I needed help.
@WharfRat Thank you for sharing your experience. You have been through a difficult time feeling stuck in depression. Reflecting on a muddy truck trying to move but keep spinning its wheels is a powerful metaphor. However, you showed strength in realizing you needed support to move forward - that is a brave step. May I ask what insights you have gained through counseling that have helped you feel less stuck?
@ASilentObserver
I don't think I've gotten there yet. I'm still kind of stuck. I have to find a new way of thinking about life and myself.
@ASilentObserver
It's like a maze with moving walls where every step forward seems to lead to another dead end.
Just when I think I've found a way out, the walls shift and I'm lost again.
It's disorienting, exhausting and every turn feels uncertain.
The echoes of my own thoughts bounce off the walls, amplifying my fear.
The exits keep changing and you know it's not even just about finding my way out.
It's about constantly having to adapt to an ever-changing, unpredictable environment that offers no clear direction.
@maskedtitan1999 Thank you for sharing your experience, Titan. That metaphor captures quite vividly what it is like to face depression's ever-changing challenges. You have the strength and resilience to continue adapting when things feel so uncertain. How have you managed to find moments of calm in the midst of feeling so lost?