First, what is depression?

Depression is a common mental disorder affecting more than 264 million people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. (according to the World health Organization). 

Depression can be caused by many things: 

1. Brain Chemistry.
2. Hormone levels.
3. Family History.
4. Early Childhood Trauma.
5. Brain Structure.
6. Chronic Medical Conditions such as: Chronic pain, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke, Heart Attack, Cancer, Insomnia, and too many more to list.
7. Substance Abuse.
8. Emotional and Physical pain that goes on for a long time.

What are symptoms of depression?

If you experience some of the following signs and symptoms of depression nearly every day for at least 2 weeks, ( according to healthline.com), you may be living with depression:

• feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”
• feeling hopeless, worthless, and pessimistic
• crying a lot
• feeling bothered, annoyed, or angry
• loss of interest in hobbies and interests you once enjoyed
• decreased energy or fatigue
• difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• moving or talking more slowly
• difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
• appetite or weight changes
• chronic physical pain with no clear cause that does not get better with treatment (headaches, aches or pains, digestive problems, cramps)
• thoughts of death, suicide, self-harm, or suicide attempts

** If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, please seek help or call the National Suicide Hotline at 988**

Living my life with chronic illness and the depression that comes with it....

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 5. I never got to live a "normal" childhood. I was in pain all the time; I could barely walk never mind run and play like my brother and sister did or any of my friends. I would have to sit on the sideline during gym because I couldn't participate in any sports or anything physically active. I had my first surgery at 7 years old and my second at 8 years old. 

I remember a day in fourth grade when I came home crying to my mom, because no one would play with me at recess or sit next to me in class. Why? They thought they would "catch my disease". My mom had to come in and talk to the class and explain that no one could "catch" what I had. 

I look back at my childhood and wonder how I stayed happy most of the time.

I definitely had days that I would cry, mostly because I couldn't do what everyone else could and I didn't fully understand why I couldn't. My mom, she was a saint. She did so much for me all my life, she took me to the doctor appointments several times a week, carried me to the bathroom when I couldn't walk, helped me dress when I couldn't do it myself. She did so much more than I ever knew. She had to fight for me my whole life. She had to fight the doctors, the school just so I could get PT during the day and extensions on my homework, or assignments without a lot of handwriting, because, with my wrist pains I couldn't do all that writing. 

As I grew older and reached Middle School, I got worse. I had to attend school either on crutches or in a wheelchair. I had a couple good friends, but most of the kids made fun of me, said cruel things about me, starred and pointed at me like I was my disease, instead of the teenage girl I was; a girl that was just like them in so many ways but not enough for them to look past my illness.

In High School the doctor finally found a medicine that put me into remission. I am thankful that all through these four years I got to live without pain. But unfortunately, the ridicule of Middle School followed me to High School. The cruelty continued despite the fact that I was more like a "regular kid" then I ever was. I'm thankful for the 5-6 friends I had who loved me for who I was, who never judged me or treated me differently. 

Fast forward to my late 20's. I just had my knee replaced and my husband (now ex) and I were on a list to adopt a child. Well, wouldn't you know it, she arrived 5 weeks after my surgery. I was in agonizing pain with a newborn baby. I went through an awful flare up, struggled with pain, sleep and PT was always so painful. I felt so alone, isolated, and depression started to creep in.

My disease progressed. My doctor couldn't find a medicine to help me. My daughter was 2 years old; I was divorced and a single mom by then and had to do everything around my house. When she was around 3 years old is when my depression really started to get bad. I had thoughts of "how am I going to be a good mom when I can hardly care for myself?" "I felt terrible that she would see me suffer in pain." I got through those dark times. My doctor started me on an antidepressant, and I began to feel better.  And my Rheumatologist finally found a medication that started to work better. Things were looking up.

I've dealt with so much over the last 20 years of my life. I've had a total of 15 surgeries, I survived a Septic Knee infection that I only had a 50% chance to survive, I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and have dealt with permanent nerve issues and pain, and so much more surgeries due to my autoimmune diseases. I was also diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis about 10 years ago. 

What changed my life and my illnesses?

Five years ago, I found a community of wonderful people who lift me up, support me and love me for who I am. And products that help support all of my body systems. 

That's when my life changed, when Young Living came into my life. I was at a low, in pain every day, constant headaches, feeling like my illness was defeating me. I couldn't sleep, I was miserable, had to stop working, and had zero energy for my family or to do anything with friends. I felt like a shell of the person I once was, and I felt my life slipping away from me. Since starting on YL products, I've been able to get off two out of my four RA meds, I have products to help with my discomforts and even those to support me emotionally and physically. These little oils changed my life. Then, I discovered all of the wonderful supplements and toxin free cleaners and body care products. I rid all the chemicals out of my life.

I could have NEVER imagined living my life the way I am now. I never thought I'd be able to workout at a gym. I never thought I would be able to help my discomforts with natural products, instead of the pain meds my RA doc wanted to give me. I NEVER thought I would have enough energy to do all I want to do.

Yes, some days are still tough, I really have to push myself and get out of my head that "I can't do this". If I'm having increased pain, I still go to the gym and workout to the best of my ability, even if I can only give it 20%. I'm still moving my body and by the end of the workout I do feel better. 

I've learned a lot from living a life with a chronic illness for over 41 years and depression for the last 15-16 years.

1. I don't do well without medication for my depression, and I am OK with that! Some people can go on them for short periods of time and be able to come off them. For me, that isn't an option. I've tried and it was not a good 6 months of my life.
2.  You need to take your medication every single day, not when you think of it or just on the days you feel bad. There were years that I wasn't consistent with taking my antidepressants and I was very moody and nasty.
3. Physical activity is so important, not only for mental health but for my autoimmune diseases. It is my way to de-stress, help with my discomfort and increase the endorphins in my brain to bring on my happy! Finding my gym literally has been life changing and lifesaving in so many ways!! When I miss my 3-4 workouts a week my depression and physical pain creep back in and fast. 
4. Find a good therapist. The benefits of being able to talk to someone outnumber the stigma of needing help!!!
5. I use Joy™ Essential Oil Blend | Young Living Essential Oils daily. I put 1-2 drops of oil in my hand, move my hands together, clockwise 3 times and breathe in this beautiful oil. I then place my hands on my heart center and close my eyes for a few breathes. This gets my day off on the right start. I apply this oil as needed throughout the day or diffuse it. I also love to use other oils like Harmony™ Essential Oil Blend | Young Living Essential Oils, Transformation™ Essential Oil Blend | Young Living Essential Oils, and One Heart Essential Oil Blend | Young Living Essential Oils. These oils really have a way of changing your thoughts and emotions when breathing them in. This is how:

I want to leave you with this.....

Don't ever give up, don't ever stop fighting! I see you, I feel your pain, your sadness, and I am here for you, fighting this battle alongside with you!