Rising From Rock Bottom With Depression

2016 was the year I clawed my way up from rock bottom with depression.

Looking back on 2016 made me realize how much actually happened and what a difference it was from 2015, which was one of the worst years of my life. As painful as it was, there wouldn’t have been a 2016 like this without 2015, a year that forced me to go outside my comfort zone so I could truly start healing. I did things I never had the courage to do before, like becoming a writer/creator/meme maker, and that led me to so many more amazing things that have shaped where I am today. I never would have imagined that my writing and memes would be seen on some of the platforms they have been shared on.

I realized that with the right support, I could accomplish much more than I thought.

2016 was the year I clawed my way up from rock bottom. I gave birth to my third baby a few months prior, and that pregnancy brought me to my lowest point ever with severe depression and anxiety. I was on meds but still struggling.

My son had feeding problems. We found out he had a tongue tie and got it fixed. He finally started gaining weight as he should.

I started going to therapy for the first time and learned I needed to build my social support system and start doing things I was passionate about.

I started doing yoga for the first time.

I started volunteering after I got certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician.

I joined a moms’ club so the kids and I could get to know more people and do fun activities.

I went to Utah to visit friends.

I applied and was selected as a contributing writer for OKC Moms and started writing articles and going to events.

My husband and I prioritized regular date nights and spending quality time together.

I started painting again. I started attending the temple more often.

All of this helped me feel stronger, more balanced, and able to be more present with my kids.

It wasn’t easy to do all these things. I still struggled a lot. But I started to find ME again.

The past ten years haven’t been smooth sailing, but there was a fundamental change in 2016.

Because I was desperate for change, I was willing to use all the tools available to me, even if it was uncomfortable.

I wouldn’t have tried so many new things if I hadn’t been shoved out of my comfort zone.

I wouldn’t have the life I have now if not for that critical turning point.

It’s important to note that I couldn’t have gotten through this without the support of my husband, family, and friends.

I fought for myself. Not just for me, but for my kids. Because you have to put your own oxygen mask on first before being able to effectively help others.

And I’m so glad I did.

That doesn’t mean I don’t still struggle with my mental health, because I do, but that I can still have a rich life despite that, even if it doesn’t look like what I pictured.

If you’re having a hard year, know that good things can follow. It sometimes takes extreme challenges for us to dig deep, prioritize what matters, and grow into who we are meant to become. The journey from rock bottom with depression is painful, but worth it.

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