I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

flowers and fruits of happiness can grow. I did as advised but was
impatient; I dug out all the seeds before they had a chance to sprout
and grow.
I do a lot of good deeds (e.g. community service) and things that are
conducive to healing of my depression (e.g. exercise, learning about
parenting, etc). People compliment and thank me for what I do for
them. But I always feel that I’m not good enough - I blame, criticize
and find fault with myself.
To avoid a depressive relapse, I got to constantly remind myself,
“You are good enough,” echoing the advice from my wise
psychiatrist.
“Whatever you are doing is not perfect but good enough – keep it
up and you’re on your way to recovery. But you are too impatient
for the seeds to grow. You dig out the seeds and scold the seeds,
‘Why aren’t you growing?!’ You doubt whether the person who
recommended you the seeds was right after all. You doubt whether
the seeds will ever grow – trust me, they will surely grow, just be
patient,” said my psychiatrist. He’s right and I’ll never forget that.
It’s an important realization.
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