Today marks the third annual #DayofLight, a beautiful movement created by Brandi Jeter in 2014. From her post yesterday:
“This is what depression looks like in my life. This is just one way that depression looks. The more we share our stories, the more people will know that there are other people out there that are surviving and thriving despite the dark cloud.”
The point behind the #DayofLight is to talk about our depression, openly and honestly. We know that the isolating feelings of depression can make us feel like we’re totally alone, when the reality is that we’re not. We’re surrounded by people who love and care for us and our well-being. By sharing our stories, we’re not only welcoming vulnerability and courage into our life, we’re helping others who might not be ready to share, who think they’re “the only one,” who read our posts and say, “Oh, me too.”
That ““me too” is so very important.
We encourage you today to take to your blogs, your social media accounts, your what have you, and write about your depression. Maybe you just want to write a line about the hashtag, #DayofLight. Maybe you want to share your story for the first time—or the 12th. Maybe you want to share resources where moms can seek postpartum depression specialists or peer support groups. Maybe you just really want to tell other moms that they’re not alone.
It’s a good day to do it, to reach out, to share, to stand tall and proud. You’re more than your depression. You’re more than the darkness. You are the light within you, shining brightly. Share it with others. If you share on you various social media accounts or your blog, we’d love to see them as well. Feel free to share links or join in our discussion on Facebook.
