Faces of Depression, Day 16

We’re now a little past the halfway point for the month and I’ve learned a lot over the past couple weeks. It doesn’t matter too much how I look – or how anyone looks, for that matter – when depression is present. If I do my hair and makeup, it can deftly conceal the fact that maybe on that particular day I’m really struggling. But on a day when I look tired and I haven’t bothered to do much to modify my appearance, I might look more depressed than I actually am. To me, this proves the adage is true: you can’t judge a book by its cover.

A number of you have reached out to say you have been following this series with great interest. Some have reached out on days when I’ve been feeling particularly low. I appreciate your support and compassion.

The past few days have been quite good. I’ve felt more energetic and upbeat, and as a result I’ve been getting more done, whether it is work tasks, personal administration, cleaning, or getting out and being social. When I’m at one extreme or the other, I have to remind myself to take the photo and actually post it. Even though I took the photo early in the day, I got busy with doing various things, so now it’s nearly 11 p.m. and I’m finally posting it.  Suffice it to say, staying busy is good: it keeps me out of my head. Today was a 9 out of 10.

Was mildly annoyed by an email I'd received when I took this, but otherwise I felt good today. 9 out of 10.
Was mildly annoyed by an email I’d received when I took this, but otherwise I felt good today. 9 out of 10.