Be Unique

Memories of my past betrayals made me question the authenticity of people.

Do you truly understand?

If you do, I don’t want to hear it.

You’ll make it sound easy.

You’ll make me think it’ll be over in no time.

For the longest time, I allowed the “I understand” phrase to go through my ears without answering. After thinking about it more, I began taking more time to listen and truly understand that people do understand.

I found that if I was honest with myself and in the right mindset, it was a person’s invitation for me to ask them how they understand. It’s their way of opening the door for a conversation so that maybe I will see how they handled a rough point in their life.

Instead of focusing this blog post specifically on depression’s uniqueness from one individual to another I want to focus on how you as an individual is unique. Your uniqueness can benefit you on how you respond and bounce back from depression.

The degree of darkness of the depression is unique to each case. There is no “one case solution” when dealing with depression. A person’s response, triggers and treatments can all be different. The feelings of worthlessness, lack of motivation and other symptoms a person with depression faces are different. I would be wrong not to mention there are many similarities and patterns of symptoms those from depression have and can understand.

Being unique is a positive thing. Only you can work and make the decision of how you respond, with whom you share and how you will be perceived. Others are watching our responses to the circumstances around us.

I don’t say this to add pressure, but to encourage you. How you overcome depression will be inspiring to someone. When someone sees you struggle, it shows them you are human. When you seek help and advice from others, it shows your desire to be humble and get help with your battle.

Debra Russell, a blogger for Artist’s Edge, expresses inspiring others beautifully. “Your voice is innately, uniquely, and brilliantly yours. Choose what it is you want to express and filter that content through your unique instrument, your mind, your heart, your spirit[1].”

Like every snowflake, each of us are created to be unique. Some us will battle depression and some will not. Others will spend their lives in darkness and others will pull their way out of the depths. Each person suffers different symptoms at varying degrees. Despite our uniqueness, one who has suffered depression can relate in some way to the depression battle of others.

Embracing the Differences

Embrace the fact your treatment and recovery will be different. Embrace the reality that what worked for a friend may not work for you. Know that your unique walk through depression will inspire others.

Use your unique experience to grow stronger and help others.

I’m unique in a lot of ways. I like watching reruns of the same shows on Netflix. Some of my favorites are The Munsters, Leave it to Beaver, and The Andy Griffith Show. I talk to my dog. I haven’t had my haircut by a professional in over five years to save money. I rearrange my office at least once a month.

Now for the biggest bombshell...I’ve never seen Star Wars.

Don’t judge me.

We all have unique habits, hobbies and feelings. Our society puts an emphasis on the idea of “being yourself.” In some instances, this can have a negative impact on people’s lives due to being labeled “odd” or “standing out.” However, since the 1970s, a considerable amount of research has been conducted on uniqueness and positive psychology. Psychologists Snyder and Fromkin believe different types of environments may produce varying needs for uniqueness[2].

My friends and family recognize unique characteristics about me that I don’t see. Their feedback is invaluable. It’s human nature to want to be different from someone else. Don’t lump yourself into a group of those who have battled depression. Learn from others, but be unique in the way you fight it. Start by asking those around you what they see in you. Make a list. Explore those characteristics. Find your passion and follow it.

[1] Russell, D. (2011, December 1). Embrace Your Unique Voice as an Artist. Retrieved December 23, 2015, from http://artists-edge.com/embrace-your-unique-voice-as-an-artist-article/

[2] Snyder, C.R., & Fromkin, H.L. (1980). Uniqueness: The human pursuit of difference. New York: Plenum.

#book #unique #depression