This is a Really Real Mental Health post.

We went on a road trip today. Drove out to the middle of nowhere, Amish country, with no agenda in mind.

Except for hopefully leaving our depression behind.

My depression decided to tag along.

I enjoyed myself, but it was through a thick fog.

I didn’t really want to get out of the car and do things, but I did.

And I’m glad I did, I think it helped a little,

maybe.

We saw hot air balloons way too high in the sky.

We saw horse drawn buggies.

We went to an orchard and got apple butter and pumpkin pie.

And before driving home we sat in a converted railcar diner and ate while watching a beautiful sunset.

It really was a good day.

But depression was along for the ride.

It was hard to see through the fog and smile.

I wanted to come back home and sleep.

And I was pretty sure, when we got home that was exactly what I was going to do.

But instead I picked up my current crafty project and started working on that.

Instead I put fingers to keys to keep my November streak going.

Instead I put headphones in with uplifting music.

I’m trying.

Really really trying.

But the dishes are piled up from last night’s dinner and I’m wondering if I’ll have the energy to tackle them tonight.

I feel like I’m drained from our all day adventure.

I feel like it took everything out of me.

I feel overwhelmed every time I glance into the kitchen.

Every time I look around at a house that needs to be cleaned.

It feels like so much, and I feel like I did so much leaving the house today.

And I know this will pass.

I know it’ll get easier.

But for now, depression is my constant companion.