I undoubtedly am no expert. I have not had formal training in counseling or diagnosing depression or other forms of mental illness, but for many years, I have personally struggled with how truly dark depression can be. I have experienced the unruly pain of joy instantly changing to fear, confidence melting into anxiety and dry eyes suddenly welling with tears. I have let my mind destroy me, controlling my every thought, action, and emotion until I gave in and gave up.
But, I am here today to tell you that I’m okay and that it does get better, I promise. Sure some days I still feel blue, but most days I feel many, many other colors and it is spectacular. The road to change, to recovery, and to self-love is difficult, I won’t lie to you about that, but it is possible. That is why I decided to pass on my knowledge of how important and rewarding moving forward with and from depression can be for those who stand where I once stood.
I am creating Words & Watercolor to not only inspire those who are personally struggling with depression, but also for those who have become unsure of how to love or support someone with depression. In addition to my random watercolors, expect posts on ideas, inspiration, and encouragement for starting and/ or continuing the recovery process from depression.
Why watercolor? Besides being a positive, stress relieving activity for myself, I see watercolor as healing. The transparent colors on paper are faded like memories and emotions from the past. Some memories can be painted over and healed with a darker hue, while even the darkest of colors will begin to fade. No matter how dark your page is, no matter how difficult it may be to envision a white canvas through the layers of paint, it is possible. I wholeheartedly believe in you.
In This Together,
Rachel