Every year I say if I can only get past March or even April, things will get better but this year isn't proving that way. Last year I felt like a writer, but right now I feel like anything but, and I wonder if I'll ever publish a damn thing again.
Lack of confidence of course brings on more lack of motivation and so the cycle begins and circles 'round. I put too much pressure on myself because others can do so much more beyond my limits, limits that I know are there and are not of my own making. But knowing that doesn't silence the "should be able to" messages in my head.
The pressure and self-judgment shut down something in my brain that lets me do the one thing I want to do - write - and in turn leave my head full of ideas, characters, scenes and plots that remain twirling and bumping against my brain while I try unsuccessfully to release them.
I'm frustrated and frazzled & the worst part is that I have no real reason to be those things because I'm alive, well taken care of, and I have some people who I know care about me. I know so many who are worse off in different, more important ways, and my wallowing is selfish and self-serving. But at the moment owning that wallow and fighting against it all at the same time.
Friends have come and gone over the past year, but I've forged a pretty special bond w a new friend who I don't want to lose, someone who seems so similar to myself it's scary but comforting at the same time.
What's the answer or the point to all this? It doesn't lie in more hospitalizations for depression or new meds to try to placate my brain. It doesn't lie in beating myself or in giving-up. it simply lies in me to keep doing what I can to get by, to reach out for a little support when I only feel like stuffing myself into a cave w my only company being the characters in my head.
The solution is in me & the way I handle how I'm feeling. Pushing myself to write doesn't generally end up with writing on the page, but more lowness and judgment of self instead. If I need to take a break to watch a favorite movie or series over and over again, it's not out of simply obsession or compulsion but self-preservation as well. Same goes with letting myself write something that will motivate me, make me happy, stir my creativity again, make me feel like I still can write - yes, I'm talking about fanfiction - and I have to give myself permission to do that.
It's easier said than done but that's what I need to focus on right now - whatever works to get me past this rough spot and back to believing I didn't pick the worst dream in the world or the worst profession that I want so bad, just because I'm not as strong as I'd like to be.I seem to have written myself into a circle of confusion but it feels good to get some of my ponderings out. I guess I have some things to discuss w my new psychologist who I imagine will barely have time to list all my disorders, meds, hospitalizations, therapy, etc, before the allotted hour is up. He won't know what hit him.
Happy Tuesday - I'm even trying to say that without any sarcasm at all. Cheers.
Don't be so hard on yourself. You shouldn't feel guilty if you need a little downtime. Just remember, you are a great writer and nothing is going to change that fact. It's okay if it takes a little longer to finish your stories. Those of us who love your writing will be patiently waiting for them when they are finished. I promise. :)
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with your new doctors. Take care. ((Hugs))
Please do give yourself permission to write fanfiction, watch a movie etc, whatever that makes you happy to do so. Will say some prayers for you. Sending virtual hugs to you too. Wishing you better days ahead.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine battling depression and doing the great medication juggle. I've watched friends do it, and it doesn't look fun. Take care of yourself, whatever it is that that requires.
ReplyDeleteAnd when you feel like writing, rest assured I will be eagerly waiting to read it. I recently found your work; I love your sense of humor and your writing style just works for me. I read A LOT and quickly so I'm thrilled to have found a new author. I will continue to work my way through your books, novellas, and shorts. :)
Thanks guys. I appreciate all the support. I'm pulling myself slowly out of the slump. May's a very busy month so hopefully I can keep up.
ReplyDeleteAnd YES - I've given myself permission to write fanfic and I've had some awesome responses to it. :) That's what a writer needs, you know? Positive feedback so they can keep going.
Lisa - you're always such an encouraging support to me. Thank you very much for all your kind words. <3
Jbst - Your virtual hugs are well-received and well-used. :)
Uknown - you've said such beautiful things that I wish I knew who you were. Depression isn't easy but i think the more people understand what it is and what it can do, the better off everyone is. And thank you for reading what I write. :) That's always a booster right there. Take care and I hope to figure out who you are one day. :)