This blog post has been authored by Teresa Sanderson, Positively Teresa

When I was first diagnosed with major depression in 2010 I knew it would be difficult for my family to believe, but I never dreamed it would be so hard for me to understand that mental illness is as real as physical illness. Let me explain.

If I had a bad cold, I might check my temperature to see if I have a fever. I would expect a runny nose, body aches and maybe a scratchy throat. I might even choose to take a sick day to allow my body to rest. And I would probably drink soups, juices, and plenty of fluids. Does that sound about right?

When depression hits, though, I can’t see it. People who know me and love me can’t see it. It’s just something that exists behind my eyes and between my ears. So, because I can’t see it – I mean, there’s no real evidence of being sick – in the past I would keep on doing all of my normal activities. I would put on a smile and work hard. Until I crashed and then ended up at home on the couch.

Depression is unpredictable. Sometimes there are tears, and sometimes not. It also can rear its ugly head when I least expect it. But because it is an illness that can’t be seen – there’s no depression aisle at the pharmacy – the illness gets discounted by 2 groups of people: 1) those who have it, and 2) those who don’t.

I remember a period of time when depression was new to me. I cried for about 6 weeks. I slept 2-3 hours during the day and went to bed early at night. I couldn’t work. I couldn’t do housework. And I couldn’t cook. The guilt I felt about not being able to do the things that I wanted and needed to do was unrelenting.

It was difficult for me to understand that depression, like any illness, causes symptoms. For me, the symptoms were lack of motivation, anxiety, and tremendous fatigue. But I’m an RN, and I didn’t have a fever, high blood pressure or irregular pulse. So, the story that played in my head went like this: “If you were only a stronger person you could come out of this. If you just tried a little harder you’d get over it. Look at your dirty house. You’re just so lazy.”

My sweet hubby was the only glue holding me together back then. And he would say to the family telling me to just “snap out of it” that asking me to snap out of it is like asking a paraplegic to stand from a wheelchair. She may want to, but she can’t.

That was probably one of the most life-giving things I came across in my journey to recovery. I have learned since to give myself grace when I have a down day. Grace takes the form of allowing myself to rest, not worry about work, eat healthy foods, walk in the sunlight. There is no snapping out of depression. Thankfully, the days of not talking about it are gone, and we can all step into the future with great hope.

Want to learn more? Get my FREE 5 Ways To Jumpstart Your Day When You’re Depressed at: https://www.bit.ly/5motivatingtips

Want to connect with Women Entrepreneurs Overcoming Depression? Check out my FREE group at https://bit.ly/podepression

Teresa Sanderson helps women entrepreneurs overcome depression, grow thriving online businesses, and leave the 9-5. An RN for 30 years, she left the field of nursing for a second time due to depression in August 2020. She now chooses to manage her business, PositivelyTeresa, full time. She is a mother of 5, Grammy to 6 more, a wife and homesteader. Her favorite food is Mexican, and her a fave musician is James Taylor. Learn more about her services at: https://www.positivelyteresa.com