We first have to understand where the depression comes from. If you look at it as an illness, it makes you a patient, but if you look at it as something that you can come across in life at some point, it can be your friend.
Understanding Depression Beyond Illness
To overcome depression and anxiety, we must first understand where depression comes from. When we see depression only as an illness, we become passive and powerless. But when we see it as something we may encounter during life, it can become a guide instead of an enemy.
This shift in perspective does not deny medical treatment or professional support. Instead, it adds a deeper layer of understanding and compassion toward ourselves.
Lessons From Nursing and Mental Health Care
Cerina Lim, Meditation Helper (2008 – Present)
I have worked as a nurse for over 13 years. During one year, I was assigned to a VIP ward that treated celebrities, politicians, and socially renowned individuals. One patient, in particular, has stayed in my heart. She was a successful businesswoman with a devoted husband, financial security, and social admiration. From the outside, her life looked perfect. Yet, she was diagnosed with depression.
Every morning, when I greeted her with a smile and handed her medication, she would say, “I wish I could smile like you.” She shared that she felt unbearable pain, no hope, no motivation, no passion for life. I found it difficult to understand how someone with “everything” could feel so empty.
Later, I briefly cared for the CEO of a world-renowned company who was also hospitalized for depression. As a young nurse, I couldn’t grasp why even the most successful people could feel deeply lonely and lost.
When Depression Became Personal
Time passed, and eventually, I faced depression myself. I had lived my life believing I was doing well, working hard, caring for others, and thinking I was happy. I never imagined depression could happen to me.
When it did, I couldn’t accept it. I lost motivation completely. Everything felt meaningless. Money, family, and stability no longer mattered. I stopped caring about eating, cleaning, or even living. I felt utterly alone in the universe. With my medical background, I recognized the severity of my condition and knew I needed help.
How Meditation Changed My Relationship With Depression
At that time, I had just begun practicing meditation. Through meditation, I learned to observe my depression instead of fighting it. My medical training had taught me to see depression strictly as an illness, so I became a patient. But meditation allowed me to see myself differently. I realized I was simply a human being experiencing the human mind. This understanding brought immediate relief. Anyone could experience depression. I finally felt able to breathe again. From that moment, I began seeing depression as an honest friend, one that was telling me I was struggling, even when I hadn’t realized it myself.
Learning to Speak to Myself With Compassion
“I can see that you are going through something right now. That’s okay. If you don’t feel like it at the moment, you don’t have to do anything. No matter what other people might think, what you are feeling right now isn’t necessarily wrong. It doesn’t mean you’re different than everyone else or that you are weird; it’s something that can happen to anyone. Right now, that feeling of depression is telling you that you need some rest. It’s okay to take a step back and just watch other people walk ahead.”
“If you don’t feel like it, at least for a while, you don’t have to try to wash, laugh, or eat for others unless you want to, and it’s okay to just lie in bed all day long.”
Finding Belonging and Inner Stability
There are moments in life when we feel lost because we don’t know where we come from. Those moments can be incredibly lonely.
Meditation helped me accept that struggle is part of being human. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” I learned to open my heart to others and accept help.
This shift allowed me to relax into life rather than fight it. I became good friends with my own life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can meditation really help overcome depression and anxiety?
Meditation helps by changing how we relate to our thoughts and emotions. It builds awareness, acceptance, and emotional resilience. - Is meditation a replacement for medical treatment?
No. Meditation complements professional care but should not replace therapy or medical treatment when needed. - How long does it take to feel results from meditation?
Some people feel relief early, while bigger changes come with consistent practice over time. - What if I feel worse when I start meditating?
This can happen as suppressed emotions surface. Guided instruction and support are highly recommended. - Do I need prior experience to start meditation?
Not at all. Beginners can easily learn meditation through structured guidance and introductory classes.
Conclusion:
Meditation taught me that depression and anxiety are not signs of weakness; they are signals asking us to slow down, reflect, and care for ourselves more deeply. When we stop fighting our minds and begin listening, true healing begins. If you would like to learn more about how to overcome depression and anxiety, we invite you to join our free introductory meditation class.
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Allow yourself the space to heal. Your mind deserves peace