Depression is a pimple on my face that won’t go away

I need depression like I need a pimple on my face.

I have this ugly pimple, the sight of which is bumming me out. I’m not prone to pimples, not even in high school. So the sight of one in my thirties is unwelcome.

My wait-and-see approach isn’t working for the pimple. It just is not going away by itself.

I consulted my dermatologist who said some over-the-counter acne product was all that was needed. I was to look for the common ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, and/or sulfur.

It got me thinking how pimples, like depression, require an active plan of attack. They do not respond to a passive approach.

Coinciding with the pimple, over the last several months, I’ve developed a depression that won’t resolve on its own through my usual self-care remedies: exercise, diet, rest, and relaxation.

Talk therapy isn’t working either nor is medication.

This pimple, like my depression, has been with me for months. I never thought a pimple would be with me for so long. I think it’s persisted because I just let it be at first. Similarly, this depression has stayed with me for months on end. (In the past my depression never lasted more than a month.)

This pimple, not unlike my depression, has made me feel unattractive and unworthy of love. It has changed my appearance and the way I feel about myself on the inside. It has even made me want to avoid other people.

But perhaps maybe some of my self-care remedies are working finally! My pimple check is not unlike journaling and tracking an improvement in my mood over time. I have a ritual of checking for the pimple in the shower. I’m afraid to look at it at first, but then I’m always pleased to find the pimple keeps getting smaller in size. Likewise my depression is now a 5-6 instead of 7-8 on a scale of 0-10, 10 being the highest. Small baby steps, Stay-in-Bed Mom. Small baby steps.

What do you do when you have this unwanted companion – a pimple, depression? Squeeze the bejesus out of it. (I’m sure many dermatologists would disagree, haha.) Take an Epsom salt bath. (Good for pimples and depression.) Apply a warm compress. (Also good for both.) Be active. Be ever vigilant. You CAN conquer both adversaries!

Remember having depression, like having that pimple, is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Are you experiencing the same thing? Are you in a depressive period that just won’t end. If so, it may be time to devise a plan of attack, along with finding a medication(s) that works for you.

1. Develop a support network.
2. Minimize stress.
3. Improve eating habits.
4. Change sleep schedule.
5. Stop negative thoughts through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
6. Design a wellness toolbox.
7. Stay on top of household chores.
8. Triumph over procrastination.

Source:

• “8 Tips for Living with Depression” – Very Well Mind

• <img src="https://stay55.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/pexels-photo-2709386.jpeg&quot; alt="Photo by Ike louie Natividad on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-woman-s-face-with-freckles-2709386/&quot; rel="nofollow">Pexels.com

• <img src="https://stay55.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/pexels-photo-2709385.jpeg&quot; alt="Photo by Ike louie Natividad on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sits-on-pavement-2709385/&quot; rel="nofollow">Pexels.com

A Final Thought – From the Pillow

Keep up your self-care regiment. Change it up if necessary.

So one morning, hopefully soon, you’ll wake up and the pimple (and your depression) will be gone.

What do you do to combat your depression (and maybe that pesky pimple)? I’d love to hear about it.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or contact Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.