While stigma still surrounds nearly every mental health issue imaginable, some are plagued more than others. Depression continues to be one of the least discussed mental health issues, though it is possibly the most commonly experienced. Not all causes of depression are apparent or even existent; it can start to affect the brain chemistry of anyone at any time, and many people are often unaware that it has become an issue.
Because apathy and a sense of numbness are common side effects of depression, it can be extremely difficult to seek help or even start caring about recovery. Luckily, some people do enter therapy for help with depression and have reduced their symptoms and experienced healing. And many people are in the process of doing so now.
It’s important to hear stories from people during all stages of depression, which is why we’re continuing our series of articles that recognize blogs about mental health issues with this roundup of depression-related blogs. We look for writers who, like us, are dedicated to eliminating stigma around mental health issues and educating others about their personal experiences. The authors featured below share this passion, and we encourage you to check out their sites!
A Splintered Mind (DouglasCootey.com)
Douglas Cootey writes that he started blogging to achieve three things: reducing stigma, connecting with others who experienced similar mental health issues, and improving as a writer. His blog addresses ADHD and depression with refreshing self-awareness, positivity, and humor. “Thinking negatively was making me miserable,” writes Cootey. “It took years of hard work to change how I looked at life, but now I feel quite optimistic. I see optimism as a mindset that opens windows of opportunity and solutions and negativity as a mindset that closes those windows.” Among the many reasons we admire A Splintered Mind is its dedication to therapy as a method for healing (Cootey says he “strongly advocates” for cognitive behavioral therapy) and support for mental health treatment without medication.
Depression Marathon (DepressionMarathon.blogspot.com)
Etta is a runner and health professional who created Depression Marathon as a way to combat stigma and record her treatment and recovery from depression. Studies show that exercise can have a significant positive impact on mental health, and Etta exemplifies this effect. “Running is so much a part of my life,” she writes. “It keeps me balanced and mentally healthy.” For anyone experiencing depression and looking to incorporate physical fitness into a treatment plan, Depression Marathon is an inspirational account of one woman’s journey in self-reformation.
Lawyers with Depression (LawyersWithDepression.com)
With a title like Lawyers with Depression, it might seem like this blog is appealing to a severely narrow niche. Don’t be fooled, though—every post contains some universal wisdom or helpful perspective on the experience of depression. “The 25 Paradoxes of Depression,” for instance, articulates some common symptoms associated with depression in terms many people aren’t able to voice. The primary author of Lawyers with Depression is Dan, a lawyer in Buffalo, New York. Dan also works with an organization in Buffalo called Compeer, which pairs mentors with individuals experiencing mental health issues.
Hyperbole and a Half (HyperboleAndAHalf.blogspot.com.au)
Ever heard someone say, “clean ALL THE THINGS!”? This phrase, which has become a meme both on the Internet and offline, comes from this webcomic and blog by Allie Brosh. Specifically, it comes from a blog post from 2010 called “This Is Why I’ll Never Be an Adult,” in which Brosh hilariously details the relatable process of rededicating herself to productivity and adulthood, subsequently failing or rebelling, and cycling back to her original fervor and commitment. Pick any one of Brosh’s hundreds of illustrated blog posts and you’ll find they all contain her signature wit, humor, and poignancy—whether she’s talking about her dogs, ADHD and depression, or that one time she ate an entire cake and got terribly sick. It’s impossible not to be entertained by Hyperbole and a Half, but you’ll probably also find her posts heartwarming and wonderfully truthful. (Note: All ages can appreciate this blog, but many posts do contain swear words.)
Daisies and Bruises (DaisiesAndBruises.com)
As her brief bio states, Daisies and Bruises is “the product of a 29-year-old named Erin finding her way after she lost most of her youth to severe depression.” After years of depression, self-harm, and several suicide attempts, Erin entered a residential treatment center and experiences many types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, and horticultural therapy. When she accepted that her depression was treatable, she started finding her voice and being able to heal and share her journey. “I realize I’m one of the lucky ones,” Erin writes. “For every person that regains their life back from depression, there are ten in the background that never do … I’m not out of the woods yet, but I’m really getting there. Read along, learn from my experiences, share yours with me, and together we can make it through.”
Give the above authors some of your time and appreciation by visiting their sites. We know there are many more blogs related to depression that we’ve missed—what are some of your favorites? Let us know by sending an email to inquiries@goodtherapy.org, and we will check it out!
