A Message for Gen Z and Millenials from a Gen X’er {Flash Dharma}

How?

I am not sure, but I did get better.

Not all depression is life long. Clearly the 20-year-old version of me could not handle stress, hard work, or day to day stuff. 22 year old me turned into a bit of an ass-kicker—good grades, good relationships and a bit of success. By age 25 I was a legit ass-kicker.

I am not dismissing your depression or anxiety. I am simply suggesting for some, things will get better just because we get older and we learn how to handle stress. Many of you will reach ass-kicker status. Some of you have already.

Maybe some of you will suffer from lifelong depression and anxiety, so go see that counselor. Hug your best friend. And get a cat. My cat’s a pal; a real sweetie. Things might suck, but with help and a sweet cat, things get better.

Finally, If you insisted that I tell you how I got better after two or three years of depression I would just say, I matured.

I learned from mistakes.
And the chemicals in my brain calmed down.
And I dragged myself out of bed.
And I made better decisions.
And I developed hobbies.
And I secured friendships.
And I laughed more.
And I made peace with suffering.
I decided life is really hard, but that’s okay. Because it’s hard for all of us.

I apologize if my pep talk was trash (that’s Gen Z slang). But it was sincere. I am more than okay. And I am rooting for you.