I want to share with you some of the lies that depression has told me. I believe that the clinical depression is a complex medical issue. It is like an onion with many layers and each layer needs special care and attention. These layers can be physiological, spiritual, emotional, relational, hormonal, environmental, situational, or all of the above. For me, depression was all of these, making it a deadly storm.

Depression is a liar and if you or someone you love lives with it, it’s important to recognize the negative beliefs it can create – it will help you overcome this insidious disease.

  • The world is better off without me

At my worst, I firmly believed in this thought. It’s hard to imagine, but I really thought my friends and family would be better off without me. Today, I believe that the world is much more beautiful with me. Meditation, psychotherapy, support from loved ones and faith helped me heal the depression I was experiencing. Over time I realized how irreplaceable my presence is in this world.

  • I’m not depressed – I’m just an awful person who deserves to suffer

Blaming yourself is a consequence of depression, and it can be especially hard on you. You feel that you are the worst person in the world and you believe that you don’t deserve anything good and pleasant anymore. Clinical depression is an illness and when you accept that it can be treated, then you will be on the path to a better life.

  • There is no light at the end of the tunnel

During my hospital admissions, my mom and others kept repeating that “There is light at the end of the tunnel.” To me, the idea that there was even a shred of hope seemed inconceivable. But the reality is that they were right – I have seen many bright days since then.

  • I am – irreparably – full of blemishes

Depression made me believe that I had imperfections that couldn’t be fixed and that I was “burnt paper”. My hope told me otherwise.

  • The depression is because of me

Every time I suffered from depression, I blamed myself 100% for it. I just couldn’t accept that it was a chemical imbalance and out of my control. It was very hard for me to believe that it was a mess of chemical imbalances or a medical problem over which I had no control.

Mental health races aren’t sprints – they’re marathons. Winning requires consistency, patience and endurance. Psychotherapy and medication are two very important tools. Also, training our minds to focus on what is good and true is the key to inner peace and tranquility. Keeping in mind the lies that depression tells, you will be able to regain your power and have better control over it.

No matter how many lies depression has told you, keep looking for the truth and always remember that hope is alive.