Every Day I Survive, I Win

- June 24, 2025

Depression and anxiety. It's like driving a knackered old diesel up a steep hill in reverse, with a punctured tyre and Radiohead playing in the background. And yet, somehow, you’re expected to smile through it like you're in a yoghurt advert.

But here’s the thing: healing is possible. Not with glitter, unicorns or chanting at crystals but one real, awkward, imperfect step at a time.

It’s not about pretending you’re fine when you feel like a bin fire. It’s about dragging yourself out of bed, brushing your teeth like it’s a military victory, and choosing against all odds to show up for yourself. Even if “showing up” means sitting on the floor eating snacks at 3AM.

Right. Tools that worked for me and might work for you, unless you’re a houseplant.

1. The Outdoors

There’s something remarkably grounding about standing in a field shouting into the wind. Or walking in a forest that smells like damp bark and existential dread. Nature doesn’t ask you to smile. It just exists and sometimes, that’s all you need.

2. Journaling

Think of it as brain vomit with a pen. Scribble down your darkest thoughts, half-baked ideas, or angry rants about your neighbour’s dog. Doesn’t have to make sense. It just has to get out.

3. Therapy

You sit in a chair. You talk. They nod. Sometimes they say, “How does that make you feel?” But oddly, it helps. Because it’s a place where you’re not judged, fixed, or told to "just cheer up." And that, my friends, is rare.

4. Meditation

Sit still. Breathe. Try not to punch your own thoughts. Or talk to something bigger than yourself be it God, the universe, or the ghost of your Nan. Silence is underrated.

5. Reading & Podcasts

Not self-help books that promise enlightenment in seven steps while selling you protein powder. But the kind of words that reach into your chest and remind you that you matter. Or podcasts where someone else’s mess makes yours feel slightly less catastrophic.

6. People

Not all people. Just the good ones. The ones who don’t flinch when you say, “I’m not okay.” The ones who bring chips, not advice. Keep those

7. Music

Sometimes all you need is a saxophone solo to remember you’re alive. Or a song that makes your spine tingle and your heart sigh. Whatever genre reminds you that the world isn’t entirely awful play that. Loudly.

8. Talk to Yourself Like You’re Worth It

This sounds ridiculous, I know. But seriously: stop calling yourself rubbish. Say something kind. Even if it's just “I didn’t punch anyone today.” Victory.

And remember this:

Some days you’ll feel like you’ve nailed it. Other days, you’ll eat toast in the shower. That’s life. That’s being human. It’s not about being fixed. It’s about continuing. Because every breath, every tiny step, every “I’ll try again tomorrow” that’s power.

You're not broken. You’re becoming.

So… keep going.

One breath. One sarcastic internal monologue. One stubborn, glorious, human step at a time.