When the Darkness Seems Too Deep To Escape, Find the Light
Search for the light, and you'll find it.
Hi there!
I felt like even opening my eyes would take more energy than I had. I was awake and had been most of the night, but still had no desire to get out of bed. My head was full of darkness, and I knew my only option was to stay right where I was.
When the darkness seems too deep to swim in, you just have one task: find your way out. You will always find light, even if it’s hidden behind thick clouds. It’s even there in experiences that feel like total defeat.
A positive outlook can help you survive any obstacle thrown your way. When everything feels hopeless—which bipolar will tell you is true, even when it’s not—I repeat four words, “Focus on the light.” I keep repeating the words until they become ingrained in my being.
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
- Aristotle
Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.
Fighting depression
Depression is a fiendish enemy. It not only steals the light but takes away your desire to look for it. The monster chases away hope while zapping you of all energy. It melts away colors leaving behind only black and varying shades of gray.
I have bipolar disorder. For me, I can count on depression showing up at least three times a year, but usually more often. The depressive cycle can hold me hostage for a few days or several months. The weight is crushing, and life passes by in a silent haze.
When your entire sky is gray and full of storms, you need to focus on the light. If you look, you’ll always find some, even if it’s as small as the twinkle of a stay millions of miles away.
During my bipolar depression episodes, my world goes dark. I go dark. The dark-and-twisty Scott comes out, or rather goes in. In the gloom, I tend to lock myself in a room alone or confine myself to bed.
Depression is tough, but you can beat it. Even better, just like the snow, every depressive cycle eventually goes away. If you can focus, you can fight.
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Finding light
When life is too heavy to even get out of bed, look for the light. Let the glimmers of hope hold off your depression. Use light to help you cope.
Focus on your family or friends who love you. Focus on God and his love for you. Remember the happy moments in your life, not the painful ones. Hold on tight to the best of you.
Look back on times when you were happy. Think about why you felt joy, and remember the people who made you feel loved. Relive all the good things from your past.
Look for the light everywhere. Listen to uplifting music, watch happy movies, or search online for positive topics, such as, ‘Amazing Things That Happen Every Day.’ or ‘One Good Thing Every Day.’
By focusing on the light, you can overcome the force that’s trying to hold you down. Turn away from the dark and face the sun.
You won’t feel like this forever. In time, the joy and color will come back. Your life will be enjoyable, and you’ll feel like living again. Until then, keep fighting, even when you feel like giving up.
I kept looking until I found the end of my dark tunnel. You’ll find yours, too. Search for the light, and you will find it.
Journal Prompt: What’s the brightest light you’ve ever seen? Why did it affect you so much? Who is your greatest light bringer? How do they help you?
Creative Writing Prompt: The world goes dark and only your character can bring back the light. Write the story of how they succeed.
Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
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