Energy and the human condition

With depression, you only have so much energy. The more the depression lifts, the more energy you'll have. But until then, know that you have a select amount of energy, and it's probably less than you need to get through your day. On a good day, I have about 6 hours of energy. But on a bad day, I have maybe 1-2 hours. What you decide to do with that energy is up to you (see other posts for ideas). But the important to realize is that sometimes you don't have the energy or will power and that's ok. When we are depressed, we are drawn to low focus things, like our phones or tv shows. This is okay. It's a part of the process of depression.

I was really hard on myself about being on my phone. I tried very hard to control it. And if that's what you need to do, then that's what you need to do. But I found that being gentle with myself helped a lot. This period in your life is going to suck a lot. But you'll get through it. You have to just keep moving. Easier said than done, of course.

If it bothers you, try to replace the things you hate with something you like -- if you're always playing candy crush and you hate it, find another game you feel less guilty for. Watch videos on your hobbies instead of random fails. Or embrace it and find other things that make you laugh. Make your media consumption that helps you - not makes you feel guilty. Your phone or other device will seem less interesting once you're better.

So be easy on yourself. It's okay. You're ok. It's going to be ok.

~ Emery