No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Maya Angelou
The Process of Writing
Looking for perfection in everything we do can be tiring, and can often lead to depression. When I started writing I was doing it to keep my mind away from the dark cloud that was forever floating above my head.
I think writing is one of the best things you can do to get through and over your depression. I'm fortunate, in that, I'm also saved, and these days look heavenward to get through my problems (John 3: 16). But that's a story for another day.
Listening to Other People's Advice
The internet is full of information, good and bad, and it's not always in line with our own lives, because it's more to do with someone else's experience of life. You can go through book after book, article after article, and none of them could bear any relation to your own life.
So what's the best way to look at information given by other people?
Well, you could take it with a pinch of salt.
But you may also find some things you can relate to and ask yourself if it's feasible in your own life. I know a lot of people today are suffering from mental health issues, and how hard it is to live a normal life. I also believe there are ways of dealing and working around situations, where by writing and being able to make money, and handle your depression all at the same time.
How You Work Your Own Writing Life
If you're battling depression everyday and you're really struggling, not only is your writing going to suffer, but your marketing is going to be a lot more difficult because it requires consistency. Planning is half the battle, but maybe you can't even manage that.
So then what do you do?
Find What Works For You
If you've made writing your business and you want to make a living out of creating your own books, then you need to produce the best work you can do on the days when you feel your depression isn't as bad, and you can handle things better. You also need a plan to manage your marketing that you can cope with.
All of these things are possible, you just need to figure out if you can do some things in advance, or plan ahead.
At the end of the day, what really matters is that you're writing, and you've found a way of doing it your way, and it's manageable, and enables you to handle your bad days.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency is a hard one, because you have an illness that is an ongoing battle, and everyday day is different. Feelings of failure and worthlessness will never be far away from your thoughts because of this.
So how do you tackle inconsistency?
How to Make Your Writing Life Work With Depression
Be Prepared to Write on the Good Days
If you're writing sporadically you need to be on stand-by when your head is clearer and you can bring your thoughts together. Some people listen to music, others just like peace and quiet. Find what works and use it to power you on.
You can:
- Make notes
- Plan ahead
- Look at how other writer's handle their daily tasks
- Use technology to make your life easier
Nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.
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