Just floating through the fog of depression

This reminds me of the way I sometimes find myself just… floating. You know that feeling when you’re surrounded by a thick fog? You can’t see what’s ahead, and you’re not really sure how you got there. That’s kind of how I feel about my experience with depression lately—it’s not always about the sadness, but more about the weight of everything being just… there.

It’s odd, right? I find myself going through my daily routines—work, errands, catching up with friends—and yet I feel this underlying heaviness. It’s as if I’m watching my life play out from a distance, like being a spectator in my own story. Sometimes, I wonder if people around me notice. Do they see that I’m smiling but not really “there”?

I think that’s what makes it particularly confusing. There’s this societal expectation that depression must always come with tears or despair, but the truth is, it can also just be this persistent fog that dulls the colors of life. I often hear people say things like, “Just think positively!” or “You have so much to be grateful for!” I get where they’re coming from, but it’s not always that simple, is it?

What keeps me grounded during these times is understanding that it’s okay to feel this way. I’ve started to focus more on self-compassion—acknowledging those feelings without judgment. It’s a bit like giving myself permission to exist in that fog without needing to fight through it all the time. I find small moments of clarity here and there, like when I’m out for a walk and notice the leaves changing color. Those little sparks remind me that there’s beauty even amidst the haze.

I’m really curious about how others experience this. Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions without that deep sadness weighing on you? What helps you navigate those moments? Sometimes it feels so isolating, but I think sharing our experiences can really help shine a light on the fog we’re all floating through.