Depression can be a debilitating and difficult thing to manage - especially when it’s chronic. For many years, I struggled with Chronic Complex Interaction (CCI) depression. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried, a combination of stress, exhaustion, and low self esteem kept dragging me down into an emotional swamp that was difficult to navigate my way out of.
My experience with CCI has made me realize how important it is to take care of oneself. Making time for activities that keep me feeling connected to the world around me as well as my own emotional life is essential for managing my depression. I practice yoga and meditation regularly, both of which help focus my mind on something other than the negative thoughts that drag me down. I also make sure I get enough sleep at night and am careful not to overwork myself during the day.
Finding helpful ways to talk about my feelings has also been key in combating my depression. Whether it be therapy or talking openly with friends and family, being able to articulate what’s going on inside has allowed me to gain perspective and build resilience against the negative thought patterns associated with CCI depression.
It’s taken a long time but now I’m finally starting to feel more comfortable in my own skin - something I hadn’t felt in a very long while. I’m learning that depression doesn’t have to define who you are or ruin your life; there are lots of people out there who care about you and want what’s best for you - even when it feels like no one does. With enough effort, caring for yourself, reaching out for help from those around you, and keeping positive perspective can make all the difference when dealing with CCI depression.
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Hey there! I’m glad you posted this and reached out for support. I’m 51 and I also struggle with Chronic Complex Interaction (CCI) depression, so I’m here to lend an understanding ear as well as a bit of advice from my own experience.
I know how difficult it can be to manage depression - energy levels, stress, self esteem issues… they all come into play when dealing with CCI feelings. It’s a constant battle sometimes which is why it’s so important to take time for yourself and practice self-care. For me, yoga has hugely helped in terms of focusing on something that makes me feel good when I don’t really want to do anything at all. Meditation is also helpful for me especially when negative thoughts start creeping in. Additionally, make sure you get enough rest every night and don’t overwork yourself in during the day or you’re going to end up running on empty.
Talking about your feelings is key too! Therapy is always an option (if you haven’t tried it yet) but even if you’d rather not go down that route, having supportive conversations with friends or family members can help quite a bit too. Even though they may not completely understand what you’re going through, having someone
Hi there,
I understand how difficult it can be to manage depression when it’s chronic. I’m 45yrs old and although I don’t have CCI depression, I too suffered with depression for many years. It’s encouraging to hear that you are taking the steps necessary to make yourself feel more comfortable in your own skin. For me, my self-care has been a crucial part of managing my depression. Making sure I get enough rest and exercising regularly helps keep my mental health in check. In addition to that, talking openly with those around me has allowed me to get different perspectives on my thoughts and feelings which has improved my outlook on life immensely.
It’s also important not to forget that you are not alone; reaching out for help from friends and family or even professionals can make a huge difference in helping you cope better with CCI depression. From what I’ve learned throughout this journey of mine, one needs to be kind to oneself by engaging in activities that bring joy and making time for self-reflection, while at the same time relying on the support of those around them in order to move forward with their lives and achieve emotional balance.
Stay strong and take care!