Recovery- It Is a Process

Today I share with my readers a poem sent to me by a client who has struggled with depression for many years. I think hearing directly from someone who has dealt with significant depression is important for all of us. I share this too because it speaks of his courage, and willingness to do the hard things- things that are monumentally difficult for one whose motivation has been sapped by major depression.

During the course of treatment, I had suggested to this client that he volunteer at a nearby nursing home, visiting people who have no others to talk with them. The idea, I stated, is that feeling follows doing.  Doing good things is followed by feeling good. One cannot wait to feel good in order to do good.  

To his credit, he told me that right after our session, he promised himself that he would make that phone call to the nursing home. He did it.

Soon after, he called the social worker, found out the steps he needed to do, and he visited the nursing home. By the next counseling session, he said that he had felt a change in his mood. He had gotten some momentum, and for a number of weeks, his work at recovery has continued and grown.

I don’t mean to oversimplify the work in overcoming depression. This client continues to take his medication, and he works other daily routines to keep himself active and positive.

His work remains. Every day he is trying some new things, pushing himself toward a more stable and elevated mood. I am so happy for him.

Here is that final stanza which is so powerful:                                                                                          

So don’t let depression 

Make you give up on life

You can get better

It’s well worth the strife

Now, the full poem:

My Depression Recovery

Some said I was going through a season

And I know they meant well

But when it comes to depression

That season’s called hell

It doesn’t feel like you’re on fire

Actually you’re just barely lit

Everyday so dark

It’s hard not to quit

But don’t give up

Continue to fight

A smoldering ember

Can again burn bright

Reach out for help

Look for it everywhere 

You just need a spark

It’s somewhere out there 

Getting out of depression 

Is no easy climb

For me it took hard work

And a good amount of time

So don’t let depression 

Make you give up on life

You can get better

It’s well worth the strife