Reflecting on the Past Year: Why Surviving Another Year with Depression is an Accomplishment
As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what has happened over the past 12 months. For many people living with depression, the past year may have been filled with challenges and difficult moments. But it’s important to remember that just by surviving another year, you have accomplished something significant.
According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 264 million people. In the United States, around 7% of adults experience major depression, and many of them struggle with the added challenges of the holiday season. Research has shown that people with depression are more likely to experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the winter months, when there is less sunlight and the days are shorter. In a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers found that up to 9% of people with depression experienced SAD during the winter months, compared to only 1% of the general population.
So, if you’re living with depression, it’s important to recognize the progress you have made over the past year. Whether you’ve started a new treatment, reached out for support, or found new coping mechanisms, every step you take towards managing your depression is a step in the right direction.
Here are some ways to celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on the past year:
- Write down your achievements. Take some time to think about the things you’ve accomplished over the past year, no matter how small they may seem. This could include starting a new therapy, sticking to a medication regimen, or even just getting out of bed on a difficult day. Write down your achievements and keep them somewhere you can see them as a reminder of your progress.
- Connect with others. Sharing your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly supportive. Join a support group, talk to a friend or family member, or connect with others online who are living with depression. You may be surprised by the connections you make and the support you receive.
- Celebrate your accomplishments. Once you’ve written down your achievements, take some time to celebrate them. This could be as simple as treating yourself to something you enjoy, like a new book or a movie. Or you could go out and do something fun, like seeing a live show or going to a museum. You could even challenge yourself to try something new, like taking a cooking class or learning a new hobby. The important thing is to recognize and appreciate the progress you’ve made.
- Share your accomplishments with others. Sharing your achievements with others can be a powerful way to celebrate and motivate yourself. This could be as simple as telling a friend or family member about your progress, or posting about it on social media. You could even write about your accomplishments in a journal or blog.
- Take some time for yourself. Taking care of yourself is essential for managing depression. Make time for activities that bring you joy, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that people with depression who engaged in regular exercise were more likely to improve their symptoms and function better in their daily lives. Exercise can also help improve mood and reduce stress, which can be helpful for managing depression.
- Celebrate your progress by setting a new goal. By setting a new goal, you can continue to move forward and build on your accomplishments. This could be a personal goal, like learning a new skill, or a professional goal, like applying for a new job. Whatever your goal may be, aim high and remember that you have already accomplished so much by surviving another year with depression.
In conclusion, surviving another year with depression is an accomplishment in itself. By recognizing your progress and taking care of yourself, you can continue to move forward and find hope for the future. Remember that you are not alone, and that there are many people and resources available to support you. So take pride in your accomplishments, celebrate your progress, and look forward to what the new year may bring.
