When life seems unbearable
“Above all, don’t fear difficult moments. The best comes from
them ”-Rita Levi Montalcini
This week I learned that one of my high school classmates passed away. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I saw the news. Instantly my heart broke. She left a young child behind. In high school, she struggled with depression, but through the years it seemed that she had recovered, or so it appeared in social media. Behind the smiles and happy moments, there can be a lot of darkness.
I remember the first time I felt like I wanted to die, I was 16 and has just gone through the most traumatic moment of my life. As I laid on the floor sobbing, I wished with all of my being to no longer live. I was in so much pain and felt so betrayed. I never thought the feeling would end. For the next 11 years, I walked through life almost numb. Getting into a relationship trying to find healing but instead encountering more hurt. I was looking for fulfillment and validation in the wrong places. I had moments of happiness and temporary fixes. I moved through relationships, jobs, and locations and the darkness would return. In my mid-twenties I began to search for answers. I was finally coming to a place of inner peace and stability. At the end, the last relationship before my husband I decided to accept where I was at and love myself. Shortly after he came into my life, the man I had always dreamed of. He patiently waited as I was unsure, always telling me that we were meant to be together.
On July 24, 2015, we got engaged. It was the happiest day of my life. As I started to plan the wedding all of the old feelings began to resurface. All of the things I had shoved deep inside. Outwardly it seemed that I was struggling with the normal feelings that brides to be go through. I couldn’t express to my friends the feelings of angst and despair that plagued me. I felt myself start to spiral into a depression. There were days I felt so stressed and anxious that I would cry, or yell. Through it, all my husband remained, patiently soothing me and loving me. He showed me love and grace during one of the dimmest moments.
The year and a half of wedding planning were the happiest and most difficult moments I’ve ever endured. I was forced to face all of my insecurities and past hurt. On the wedding day, I was able to put all of my worries behind and enjoy the moment. For a few weeks after I was in wedded bliss until the honeymoon. We decided to go to Fiji, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. As soon as a landed I received a message that sent me spinning. For the first 3 days, I was absolutely distraught. It seemed that no matter where I was, or what part of the world I was in I couldn’t get away from the looming pain, it would always return.
It was about 2 am, and I couldn’t sleep. Fiji is 12 hours ahead of Los Angeles, and I had terrible jet lag. I waited until my husband fell asleep and cried uncontrollably. I got out of bed and looked beyond the balcony towards the ocean. In an instant, I had an urge to jump and end the pain. I looked at my husband as he was sleeping and started weighing my options. I could finish everything and no longer feel pain, but at the same time, I would be inflicting enormous pain on my wonderful husband–the greatest joy and gift in my life. The logical part of me knew that this was not the answer, yet I was tired of being strong. I was at a breaking point and knew that things needed to improve and that I could no longer live like this. As I went
Many times our struggles are so private that not even our closest friends or spouses are aware of our internal conflicts. I remember thinking how terrible it would be for my husband to have to deal with my death on what was supposed to be our honeymoon. I didn’t want that to follow me into the afterlife. Something told me that my transition wouldn’t be so peaceful. I was so focused on the negative that I was missing the blessings in my life. I knew that no matter what part of the world I was in a would never be able to escape myself. Before we came back to the states, I decided that I would seek help. I didn’t want to destroy my marriage with my unhappiness or worse make an irritational and permanent decision.
I made an appointment to see a therapist and together we began to unravel years of self-destructive behavior. I would leave each session with homework, and after a few months, I noticed a vast improvement. To further things along she suggested yoga, which is something I had tried off and on for years. During this time I had developed a habit of walking. On a whim at 8 am on a Saturday morning I decided to walk 30 minutes to my first kundalini yoga class. I went through so many different emotions in that first class, everything from anger, joy, self-doubt and then at the end tears. After my first class, I saw such an improvement paired with therapy that I was hooked. I had to know the darkness to make changes in my life.
If you’ve been reading this blog or following me on social media, you’ll know that I’m a huge proponent of meditation. Meditation and yoga have saved me. They’ve made me get in touch with my innocence and remember who I really am. I’ve been able to shed years of hurt and pain that we’re stuck in my body and ingrained in my DNA. Through my breath, I’ve been able to create a union between my soul, body, and mind. It’s allowed my overactive mind to dispose of all the useless chatter and make peace with my past and present. Through mantras, I’ve been able to reprogram my brain. I’ve found a way to nourish my soul while discovering the beauty within. I accept myself physically and mentally precisely as I am.
Time moves quickly, and the pain you’re feeling will eventually subside. There is so much beauty that can be found in life, yet it’s so easy to focus on the negative. Whenever you’re feeling down
Here are some things you can do if you’re going through a challenging moment:
Go for a walk in nature, preferably barefoot to ground you
Listen to upbeat music
Dance
Long deep breathing for a few minutes
Volunteer/help someone in need
Yoga
Take a new class
Listen to an audiobook/podcast
Reach out to a friend and invite them for coffee or tea
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call a friend or this hotline:
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
For Veterans:
1-800-273-8255 Press 1
Text- 838255
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-4Pt742A4gIVl4SzCh3leQSREAAYASAAEgJrJvD_BwE
Talk to a therapist from the comfort of your home:
https://www.talkspace.com/
Have you gone through a difficult moment? What helped you surpass it?

nice artical thank you
These are some very good recommendations to help someone through a trying time. I’m sorry to hear about your friend as well. Mental health is so important and awareness is key!
eLISHAH, I TOO AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR FRIEND, AND I APPRECIATE YOUR WILLINGNESS TO SHARE YOUR STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION. IT’S WONDERFUL TO HEAR YOU ARE FINDING PEACE. ABOUT YOUR WRITING, IT HAS A NICE FLOW AND KEPT ME ENGAGED. MY ONLY CRITICISM IS, MAYBE YOU COULD HAVE PROVIDED SOME, EVEN JUST A LITTLE, INSIGHT INTO WHAT EXACTLY CAUSED YOUR DEPRESSION IN THE FIRST PLACE. IN DOING SO, YOU MIGHT ALLOW A CONNECTION WITH YOUR READERS.
Thank you so much for sharing! In my previous blog post I’ve shared my struggles with depression and even added a clickable link within the post itself for a further back story. I appreciate your insight and will certainly keep that in mind 🙂
oPENING UP CAN BE BE REALLY DIFFICULT. I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU DID IT SO NICELY. I ALSO LOVE THE FACT THAT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS COMES FROM YOUR FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCES.
As I was reading your post, I got goosebumps for the struggles you, and many others have gone through (myself included). Depression is no joke, and I can’t commend you enough for seeking a professional. Very nicely written!
Thank you! Sending you so much love!
I have also foubd that yoga has Been so helpful with my depression. Thanks for SHARING your story.
That makes me so happy to hear that yoga has helped you! Thanks for reading!