My Experience With Depression & How I Overcame It   

Depression. When does it creep into your life? You never really know. It can arrive silently, embedding itself into your thoughts and emotions without a clear warning. For me, the first signs of depression appeared during middle school. As a preteen, I was unable to recognize how my mind was working differently. Like many young people, I thought depression was just another form of sadness. It wasn’t until my 27th birthday that I truly understood the difference—when I spent a week unable to leave the house despite being in a relatively good mood. I will also guide you Depression recovery, coping with depression, overcoming depression, mental health journey, therapy for depression, mindfulness for depression, how to manage depression, dealing with anxiety and depression, signs of depression, creative therapy for depression.

 

 

For the majority of my life, I associated depression solely with sadness or lethargy in response to personal struggles. However, my understanding of depression has evolved significantly over the past five years. As a child, I faced academic, social, and hormonal challenges that fueled feelings of hopelessness. Being the naturally shy kid in my family, I often felt invisible and sought passive ways to draw attention to myself—whether through drawings, writings, or song lyrics. These creative outlets became my way of proving my worth to myself.

 

However, between middle school and early high school, my emotional state deteriorated significantly. I began making threats of self-harm, which led to my removal from public school. During this time, I was placed on medication that caused my weight to skyrocket from 110 pounds to 160 pounds in just three months. Throughout 2002, I appeared in zero photographs with a smile—even in a professionally done family portrait. Looking back, I now understand that my refusal to smile was a deliberate act of defiance—a way of expressing my internal pain to the outside world.

 

 

Depression did not disappear as I got older. Instead, it evolved. In my late 20s, I encountered chronic depression, especially after completing my bachelor’s degree and struggling to find a job in Atlanta’s competitive job market. In response, I decided to apply to graduate school.

 

While my undergraduate years were among the happiest of my life, graduate school was a different story. It introduced a new set of pressures, and I found myself battling persistent bouts of depression and anxiety. Unlike before, when my depression was mostly tied to specific events, it now seemed more generalized—lurking in the background of my daily life. I became less social, often spending hours lying on the couch, scrolling through my phone, or staring at the ceiling in a state of mental paralysis. My depression and anxiety fed off each other, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

 

However, graduate school also marked the beginning of my proactive approach to mental health. I started therapy as an adult, explored different treatment options, and eventually found a medication regimen that helped stabilize my mood.

 

 

After completing graduate school, I moved to a new city and spent 2019 focusing on career growth. I was determined to maximize my employability, despite my narrow range of interests in commercial work. During this time, I participated in an intensive outpatient therapy program via Zoom, attending three sessions per week. Looking back, I can see my mental health journey as a slow but steady upward trend—like a fluctuating stock market chart.

 

One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of my living environment. I spent much of this period in a small, dark, and overcrowded apartment, which only worsened my mental health. This experience taught me that when searching for housing, I needed to consider the impact of my surroundings on my well-being.

 

 

Throughout the years, I have tried various methods to manage my depression—some healthy, others not so much. The healthiest coping strategies typically involved distraction and connection with friends.

 

Healthy Coping Strategies:

Engaging in hobbies: Playing video games, drawing, writing, and experimenting with different forms of art helped me express my emotions constructively.

Therapy and medication: Seeking professional help played a crucial role in managing my depression. Regular therapy sessions and the right medication regimen provided stability.

Exercise and nature walks: Walking outdoors proved to be a simple yet powerful way to improve my mood. Physical movement and exposure to fresh air helped clear my mind.

Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness allowed me to stay present and detach from negative thought spirals.

 

Escapism through video games: While gaming provided temporary relief, excessive escapism often prevented me from addressing real-life issues.

Social withdrawal: Isolating myself only deepened my depression. Avoiding friends and family created a cycle of loneliness and negative thoughts.

Unhealthy eating habits: At times, I turned to junk food for comfort, which only led to short-term dopamine bursts and long-term regret.

 

 

Art has always been my most effective outlet for processing emotions. From childhood to adulthood, drawing and writing have been my primary forms of self-expression. Pursuing animation allowed me to create films that explored topics like depression, anxiety, grief, and emotional dependency. These creative projects helped me externalize my struggles and provided a sense of accomplishment.

 

 

As I entered my 30s, I continued therapy and incorporated additional coping mechanisms into my routine. Journaling, self-parenting techniques, and structured self-care practices became essential tools in my recovery journey. Recognizing depression in its many forms has been a crucial lesson—understanding that it can manifest as sadness, apathy, or even numbness.

 

When depression is at its worst, it distorts reality, making it difficult to see beyond its grasp. However, I’ve learned that time, mindfulness, exercise, and social connections are powerful countermeasures. Even when I momentarily let my guard down, I remind myself that recovery is not about perfection—it’s about consistently trying to steer myself in the right direction.

 

 

The most important word in this article’s title is “overcome”, not “overcame”. Depression is not something you conquer once and for all. It requires continuous effort, self-awareness, and commitment to maintaining good mental health habits. While it is possible to reduce its hold over time, it can always return. The key lies in recognizing its presence early and taking proactive steps to manage it.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seeking professional help can make a significant difference. Therapy, medication, support systems, and lifestyle changes all play a role in long-term recovery.

 

If you’ve dealt with depression, how does your experience compare? What coping strategies have worked for you?

Also Read:5 Key Traits of Mentally Strong People: How to Build Mental Toughness and Resilience.

 However, this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations. Remember, your health is in your hands, and every meal is an opportunity to make a better choice for a longer, happier life.Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below—your story could help someone else on their journey toward healing.