I'm not going to lie, living with depression isn't always easy. Some days are tough and it feels like I'm just trying to survive. But I'm still here, managing my mental illness on a day-to-day basis. Here's what my life is really like living with depression.

I start most mornings by taking my medication and drinking a big mug of coffee. It helps to get me feeling a bit more alert and ready to face the day. But I'm also aware that it's not a cure-all. After all, depression is more than just a chemical imbalance in the brain. It's also a change in how I view and perceive life.

I try to stay active, engaging in physical activities like walking, cycling and yoga. This helps to clear my mind of negative thoughts and feelings. I also take time to do things that make me feel good, like reading a book, watching a movie, or getting creative with my hobbies.

Feeling like you can't do anything right

Everyone experiences moments when it feels like nothing is going their way and nothing they do is good enough. It can be a discouraging, overwhelming experience that leaves us feeling stuck and frustrated. It's important to keep in mind that this feeling doesn't last forever—it comes and it goes. When you find yourself in the midst of such negative emotions, try to focus on something positive or constructive in your life. This might sound like a cliche but it helps to remember that no one is perfect, so even if you make mistakes, give yourself some grace and know that everybody feels like they cannot do anything right at one point or another.

Trying to act like everything is normal when it feels like your world is crumbling

It's a daunting task to try to maintain a sense of normalcy in a time of chaos. It can be hard to keep up the facade when everything around you feels like it's crumbling. In turbulent times like these, leaning on those closest to us and allowing ourselves some self-care can go a long way towards coping with our emotions and taking back control. Whether it's going for a walk or expanding our creative projects, anything can help keep your sanity in check and make sure you don't feel like the world is caving in. If we give ourselves permission to go slow, relax, and acknowledge our feelings, we will all be able to come out stronger on the other side.

The people around you who don't understand what you're going through

It can feel really disheartening when the people around you just don't understand what you're going through. Even when you try to explain your emotions to them it still doesn't click, and it's like they've got an insulating barrier between them and reality. It can be really tough emotionally, for not only do we feel frustrated that we don't have our experiences adequately recognized, but we can also start to doubt if maybe we're at fault for the fundamental miscommunication. Nonetheless, remember that it is never our burden of responsibility to make others understand - even if it would certainly provide some relief.

The importance of seeking help from a professional

Everyone has different kinds of issues that can feel difficult to tackle alone. Whether it's a mental health crisis, a natural disaster, or just the everyday realities of life, sometimes you need a little help from someone else to find the solutions you need. That's where professional assistance comes into play. With their training, experience, and expertise, professional counselors are there for your biggest successes and your toughest setbacks. From tackling addiction to getting out of debt or working through difficult relationships, professionals offer a thoughtful perspective that allows us to understand ourselves better. It may be scary at first to reach out and ask for help but don't forget that having someone on your side can be an invaluable tool as you bravely tackle the challenges you face.

If you're struggling with depression, know that you're not alone. Depression can affect anyone at any time and it doesn't discriminate. It can be hard to manage day-to-day activities when all you want to do is stay in bed and hide from the world. The people around you may not understand what you're going through but there are professional therapists who do and they can help. Don't be afraid to seek out help if your depression is affecting your work or school life. It's nothing to be ashamed of and getting treatment can make a world of difference. Do you have any questions about depression? Reach out to one of our mental health professionals for guidance on depression treatment.