Navigating Depression

in a Pandemic

By Debora Ribas, MA, RYT

From the day we are born to the day we will die, we are constantly exposed with information to process and experience in life. First, the complexity of being human: flesh, bones, thoughts and emotions; a million things going on at once, a true miracle as well as a challenge in itself. The complex human form is not separate from the environment; we are in constant symbiotic relationship with others and with nature, bringing again a lot of beauty, simultaneously with many challenges. Nowadays, we are born into the modern technological world, exposing us with an unimaginable amount of stimuli and information that brings amazing comforts and possibilities, but in turn could also cause us to feel pressured to be always informed, and/or become someone who we are not, always comparing, longing for, lacking, overwhelmed, and broken inside. We may begin to believe and allow ourselves to be defined by jobs, status, roles, or things that we do/do not have, which none of it could possibly cover our true, whole, and unique essence. Unable to cope with such confusion, for millions of us depression settles in, mostly because within all this stimuli we constantly interact with, little to none is about exploring who we are and the wonder of life. 

Then comes a pandemic, sweeping us all off of our feet, the reality of our confusion as a society is heightened and magnified, constant information coming from left and right, imposed isolation, trying to cope with all the fears of the unknown. We might be afraid or living the reality of losing a job, grieving the loss of a loved one, or having our health compromised psychologically and physically. Naturally, this is triggering depression for many, the feeling of powerlessness, hopelessness, and having difficulty in engaging with life is collective right now. For those who had depression as a reality before, may find their symptoms coming back, amplified, or more challenging to regulate. Yet others, may feel relief as they are finally allowed to feel their feelings and be validated for them. Anyhow, the current situation we all find ourselves in can be experienced as a pit of despair AND a wake up call for change, hope, connection and transformation.

Every transformation begins within, with believing in a better quality of life and wanting to change. The inclusion of all possibilities is an important mindset to navigate symptoms of depression and invite healing. You can be in despair and hopeful. In pain and relieved. You can allow sadness and take small steps for change in your day to day life. You can be hopeful and hopeless. You can feel loneliness and still reach out and connect to those you love. You can fear and idolize death as well as being alive. You can be who you are with all the complexity and spectrum of thoughts, feelings, and actions. But PLEASE, don’t confuse who you are, with what you are going through. Just like one can have a physical dis-ease, and know for a fact that the disease is not who they are; you can go through depression and still be the ever evolving, ever growing being you are here to be.

Going through is a journey that only the brave and vulnerable can face. One breath at a time, take small steps towards your healing, and on the other side of that journey will be a stronger and wiser version of your many facets. This step could be as little as just acknowledging how you feel-“sad and angry and hopeful”- whatever it is, be honest with yourself. Once you are ready for more, begin to explore tools, with the help of a professional as well as on your own, of regulating and processing emotions as they come. In the exploration and willingness to try new skills, you will eventually find what works for YOU. Breath-work, meditation, therapy, energy healing, essential oils, medication, these are just a few options among many other tools that are out there for you to try. Give it some time to apply each of these tools until you can build a balanced lifestyle (healthy diet, self-care, exercise, quality of sleep and relationships), that allows you to heal or regulate depression.

At first, it can sound like a lot, almost overwhelming, but remember that all you need to take now is ONE small step. So for now, just set aside some time, everyday, to be without distractions in silence and contemplation, so you can connect with yourself beyond your many roles, and the many demands around you. That can be a quiet walk in nature, sitting by a window for a few minutes, sitting in silence with the eyes closed for a few breaths, a gentle yoga practice, journaling, or any other tools for self-knowledge that resonates with you; anything that allows you to check in with yourself with the kindness, care, and compassion of a dear friend. You deserve that attention, everyday. You are loved, worth it, and you are healing, day by day.

We are here to support you, so count on us if you need guidance, help, or community.

P.S.: If you are going through depression or love someone who is, know you are not alone, millions of people go through it and are healing everyday. Reach out for help, a professional or a friend to assist you in finding one, that can guide you with tools to process what you are going through and improve the quality of your life, and if necessary, medication to re-balance the chemistry in your brain. You matter to many. You matter to all. You matter to us!