Sometimes it feels like society says you should be always happy, and
that showing your sadness is a sign of weakness. This is far from true –
if you were to hold in all your sadness or anger you would explode. We
all have good and bad days. No one can be perfectly
happy all of the time, that is not human. One day you feel on
top of the world, the next you are down. While I am still trying to
accept this myself, I know that it is part of life and whether or not
others choose to show it, it still happens. For those who are struggling
with mental illness and/or grief, dealing with this pressure to always
seem happy can be even more challenging, as a lot of days are low.
Sometimes when we are feeling down, we put on a mask to hide the
darkness that lies behind the smile. Getting out of bed can be a major
task by itself. With depression at times there is no apparent reason for
why you are feeling this way. When it feels as though a cloud is hanging
over our heads, those are the days we push people away the most. We do
this because it is easier to try and forget about what is going on and
not bother others with our problems. But getting through your problems
and ignoring your problems are two completely different things.
Whether that is talking to someone about what is going on, finding answers
to what is causing that emotion, or using coping skills such as drawing,
yoga, mindfulness, and so many other healthy ideas, there are ways to help
you get through the bad days. It’s okay to feel down.
Here are 3 tips for those days when you feel trapped:
- Try to be social: This can be very hard, especially if you don’t want others
to know what is going on but it can help. This could be as simple as
starting a small conversation with your friends, teachers, family, or anyone
else.
- Use coping skills: The list of coping skills could go on for pages and they
are unique to each individual. Some healthy coping strategies include
journaling, coloring, playing a sport, going on a run, yoga, deep breathing,
and so many more. Once you find a few or maybe even just one it can help
tremendously.
- Let yourself feel: When a low day hits that doesn’t mean you have to shut
out what you are truly feeling inside. While this may be uncomfortable at
times, acknowledging your feelings can help you move through them.
Remember you are not alone and you are not bothering others: Everyone in
life has problems. That doesn’t mean you are adding to another person’s own
problems if you share how you are feeling. You are not a burden. I have
found that when I do share those thoughts and feelings a weight is lifted
off my shoulders and a sense of relief comes over me. The journey of life is filled with ups and downs, which is what shapes us
into the people we are. When you’re having a bad day or a good day, remember
that people do care about you, you are here for a reason, and the world
would not be the same without you.
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