How Can I Be Physically Disabled And Not Depressed?

I’d like to speak about my own mental health. I feel like some people misunderstand my condition, so I wanted to address the matter directly. Yes, I have a severely debilitating illness. Yes, I practically live in bed. No, I cannot go out and I cannot have visitors coming over without paying for it​, but I am okay. Seriously.

I'm okay, seriously, by Chronically Hopeful

I do not suffer from depression or anxiety or feel upset, or anything like that, about being ill and housebound. But it’s come to my attention that many people around me seem to be more distraught over my condition than I am.

I actually live with an indescribable peace and inner joy which I cannot attribute to anything except God. Yes, when I’m in a lot of pain, I feel sorry for myself in it, I might even cry if it’s really bad or if I’m feeling particularly weak physically in a moment, but that was the case before my illness too.

When I was sick, it felt yuk, I’d cry myself to sleep and then wake up and get on with things. Life happens and that includes illness. Life goes on. It is what it is. This is my current season, and I’m okay, my life hasn’t ended, it’s still quite fulfilling, thank you.

I don’t mean any offense to those who struggle with mental health, I get it, I have experienced depression in the past, I understand, I’m just saying that currently that is not my burden.

So, please don’t ​feel sorry for me and treat me as if I’m the one feeling depressed and hopeless, I’m not, but maybe you think you would be in my position. Please don’t stress over my health – but guard your own. Please don’t tell me to “hang in there”, there’s absolutely no need for that. I don’t even know what to do with that. 

Basically there is no need for holding on, because I’m held. Praise God!

There's no need for holding on, because I'm held, by Chronically Hopeful

Repost: This post was originally published ​on my Instagram on 15 February 2019

A girl sitting on her bed holding a cup of tea, resting her head on her knees. Title reads, I'm okay, seriously. How can I be physically disabled and not depressed? By Chronically hopeful

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​Acceptance, ​Perspective And Faith

Here are some more of my posts which might give more insight into my perspective:

Thank you for stopping by. Hugs, Char xx
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Chronically Hopeful
Chronically Hopeful

Char was born and raised in Africa, but has been settled in Europe for over 20 years. She's passionate about living well, despite chronic illness. Apart from blogging, she enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, gaming, various creative hobbies and learning new things.

She used to be a teacher, but has been housebound with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis since 2015. Since then, she's focused on spending the little energy and strength she has each day on the people and activities she loves. Finding joy in the small things and celebrating the ordinary.

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  1. I love this, I too am not depressed but I definitely do feel sorry for myself and have a good cry wheb it’s really bad. Why wouldn’t I? Doesn’t mean I’m going to pieces though, it just means, I’m having a cry and then, by God’s grace, I’ll pick up the pieces and carry on!

    Why, when the Bible is FULL of people who wailed, cried and even ‘despaired of life itself’, do we think we shouldn’t?! Bring on the wailing I say! Hahaha :))) x x

    (Just don’t get stuck in it and remember who holds you!) X