Conversations, Libraries, and Laughter: My Tools Against Depression
Depression is sneaky. It doesn’t arrive with a knock at the door or a polite “Hey, I’m moving in for a while.” No, it barges in uninvited and plops down on the couch, leaving you feeling like the guest in your own house. It’s frustrating, and worst of all, it convinces you that you’ll never climb out of the hole you’ve stumbled into.
Recovery, though possible, is not quick. It’s not tidy. And it’s definitely not the kind of recovery you can check off your to-do list like “fold laundry” or “pay bills.” Recovery from depression is long and often feels like one step forward, two steps back.
What has helped me? A handful of things, some simple, some surprising.
I’ve started scheduling more time with my daughters. We laugh, reminisce, and sometimes shake our heads at the dumb things we’ve done together. These conversations remind me that joy isn’t lost, it’s just waiting for me to notice it again. Coincidentally, a couple of people from my past reached out recently. We rehashed old memories and, to my surprise, they told me how important I had been in their lives. That reminder—that my presence mattered—was a powerful antidote to the whispers of worthlessness depression tries to sell me.
Meditation has found its way into my weekly schedule, too. I already listen to solfeggio frequency music every day, but adding guided meditation gives me a new layer of calm and focus. It’s not magic, but it helps.
I’ve also remembered how much I used to love libraries. Wandering the aisles, picking out a book or two outside my usual comfort zone—it’s a small act, but it wakes up my curiosity. The other day I went to the library with one of my daughters. We replaced my lost card, wandered the aisles, and people-watched. She told me her trick for finding new books to read. She goes to the latest release section and picks out all the narrow spines—she loves reading shorter books. We did it together, and I have some great reading options to share with the folks in my new reading group. I plan to come back on my own, too, and read in the lovely outdoor area once the weather cools.
I’ve also realized that boredom can be a gift. Instead of endlessly scrolling Facebook or waiting for the next social event to cheer me up, I’ve started looking inward. Today, I even wrote out a list of my accomplishments—not to brag, but to remind myself that I have made a positive impact. That I’ve touched lives. That I’ve earned a break from being, as my husband likes to say, “captain of the world.”
And then there’s writing this blog. Honestly, this helps me more than almost anything else. Putting thoughts into words makes me feel lighter, more transparent, and more connected to others who may be struggling with similar issues. It also motivates me to research new ideas and to use my brain in a different way than doing puzzles or cooking a new dish. I really appreciate you all being here to read.
Recovery is long and often painfully slow. But these small practices—the laughter with my daughters, the calls from old friends, the quiet of a library, the stillness of meditation, and the words I share here—are the steps that help me move forward. I’ve found the ladder and have taken the first few rungs. Each day, I continue to climb by remembering the importance of loved ones and choosing to show up for life as it unfolds.
For anyone else facing these challenges, I hope this reminds you that you don’t have to go through it by yourself. We can learn so much from each other. If you feel comfortable, share in the comments what lifts you up when things feel heavy.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
We have a bookshop store HERE where you can find books Linda has read or that look helpful for folks dealing with chronic diseases of various kinds. You may see links to those books in the text of our blog posts. We do get a small financial reward if you purchase a book through the shop, but the price to you is the same. It also helps support independent booksellers. Thanks!
This blog post is based on personal experiences and is not meant to provide medical advice.
Always consult your healthcare professional for personalized guidance on your health journey.
