You may have noticed a gap in my posts. Then again, most people wouldn’t.

My mom passed at the beginning of June and until last Saturday I was too stressed to write, coordinating a bi-country memorial service. Now I’m just sad.

I noticed a difference between my normal depression and the sadness I was feeling. Sadness is not the same as depression. They may intersect or coexist, but I can feel sad without being depressed.

I want to be sad and grieve, but because of my bent toward depression, I can slip so easily into allowing the sadness to paralyze me.

What am I to do?

I have found a few helpful things:

1. Be aware of my feelings. Knowing I am sad because I am grieving helps give me permission to feel my feelings.
2. Talk with someone. Asking for prayer, sharing memories, explaining my mood, staying connected, and asking for help or understanding can make a big difference.
3. Make a To Do list. Life goes on. Having a list helps me get things done without having to worry about everything I may be forgetting.

Grieving is hard enough without sharing the same space with depression. As I write this post, I feel a sense of victory. One more check mark on my To Do list. Time to go fold some clothes and add one more check.

Normally I would add something to encourage you, my reader. Today, I am the one in need of encouragement.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image by Qu Ji from Pixabay