We all face moments when life feels overwhelming. For Amannda, one simple phrase became a way to deal with depression and keep moving forward. Her story invites us to acknowledge the weight we carry while discovering hope in steady, small steps.
Read this story to receive valuable insights for staying hopeful and motivated no matter what life throws your way.
Life Lessons & Key Themes From This Story
- Acknowledging your struggle is the first step toward healing. Denying pain only keeps it hidden; naming it opens space for change.
- You are not the struggle. Seeing depression as something outside of you helps reduce shame and makes it easier to respond with hope.
- Simple actions can shift your state. A walk, a prayer, journaling, laughter, or exercise are practical ways to keep moving and deal with depression.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength. Reaching out for support creates connection and eases the weight you carry.
- Hope grows through persistence. Staying consistent, even when it feels forced, can eventually lead you out of the clouds and into brighter days.
📍 From USA: A powerful story that adds to our global collection of inspiring narratives.
Earlier this week, my youngest son asked if he could practice his book report presentation for the following day.
“Of course,” I said, anxious to hear what he had been reading and writing about.
Turns out, it was about a famous historical figure, whose identity is irrelevant to this message. At one point in his speech, he indicated the subject’s wife had tragically passed away. His next sentence stuck with me for the remainder of the night and into the next few days:
“He was very depressed, but he kept moving.”
That sentence has played on record in my mind ever since. I know I am likely taking it out of context, but the simple words and sentiment spoke volumes to my heart.
Acknowledging the Weight We Carry
We all face difficulties in this life. Many of us hide behind a faithful smile and a robotic, “I’m fine”, though it may be the furthest from the truth.
Whether it be work woes, health issues, marital upheaval, teenage drama, financial difficulties, societal stress, or any number of common maladies that plague us in this life, depression is certainly not hiding in the shadows. It is alive, well, and silently blanketing many of those we know and love.
It could possibly be rearing its ugly head in your own life. I know it has in mine. Acknowledging it, naming it as part of our story, instead of denying it, helps us to begin to respond differently.
Acknowledging it, naming it as part of our story, instead of denying it, helps us to begin to respond differently.
The Power of 'Keep Moving' to Deal with Depression
I replayed my son’s words in my mind, “He was depressed, but he kept moving”.
How simple is the statement, “Keep moving”? Yet, how deeply poignant.
Whether it be physical activity, which is one of the best depression busters out there, or mental, emotional, or spiritual stimulation, the metaphoric discipline to ‘keep moving’ is simplistically ingenious.
Don’t give up.
Ask for help.
Say a prayer.
Take a walk.
Read a book.
Write.
Enjoy a hot bath.
Cry.
Laugh.
Eat chocolate.
Exercise.
The list of depression/anxiety combaters is endless. But when it comes down to it, no matter how low you feel, or how distraught your situation, ‘Keep Moving’ is always a solid piece of advice.
Small Steps Toward the Bright
Acknowledgement first, then baby steps. Fake it till you make it. Don’t quit.
Eventually, those stubborn clouds will dissipate and the bright and healing sun will shine its glorious light on a formerly dark existence.
‘Just keep moving ...'
* Editors Note: This personal story reflects one person’s experience finding small steps to deal with depression. While encouragement and small steps can help many of us through hard times, this is not a substitute for professional care. If you are experiencing ongoing or clinical depression, please reach out to a qualified professional or someone you trust. You don’t have to carry it alone.
About the Author - Amannda G. Maphies
“Live a life worthy of writing about.”
Connect with Manndi and her writings here ...
Facebook: Manndi Maphies Wilkins
Author's Page: Manndi's Musings
Instagram: Manndi8867
Amannda G. Maphies works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and is a boy mom to Liam (14), Waylan (12), Atlas (dog) and Hamilton (cat). Manndi enjoys freelance writing based on her travels, life adventures, and pretty much anything that stands out in life as ‘story-worthy’.
Her first book was published in September 2022, Tales from My Mummy, which can be found in local bookstores and on Amazon.
Manndi’s greatest passion is being a mom to Liam and Waylan. Her sons never fail to provide daily entertainment, which inspires many of her writings.
She also writes about everything from being a single mom, dating after divorce, the devastation of miscarriage, the loss of a loved one, and dealing with mental health issues (specifically her personal journey with OCD).
Her pieces are lovingly filled with inspiration, encouragement, and always a touch of humor.
“Live a life worthy of writing about”, is her life motto and she strives to emulate this daily.
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Three Years Bedridden. The Dream That Saved Me | A Teen’s FND Story | by Liam Virgo | Inspiring Story #216
At just 12, Liam lost his voice, mobility, and freedom to FND (Functional Neurological Disorder).
But he held onto hope and slowly, his life began to change. His story invites us to hold on, to believe that even when everything feels lost, you can still find a way forward.
Courageous. Everyone has an unique ‘break-out formula’ that can vary based on circumstances. Thanks for reminding us of that!
Yes, “keep moving” is a good strategy, but I read an article once that sometimes just letting ourselves “wilt” helps us to rest and recharge our energetic batteries. The article discussed how flowers and other plants wilt if they need watering, or they are not being nurtured properly . By wilting, they reserve their energy– life force– so they can recover once there needs are met. I wilt by reading, writing, and just resting. I am sensitive, so I can wilt quite easily. 🙂
Love that analogy. Nature can teach us so much about how to take care of ourselves.
I’m going to add one of my favourite keep moving strategies. Dancing.
Uplifting music to begin, and then I move my body. Heavy emotions flow out of my arms and legs, and feet and I feel lighter.
Yes, keep moving is so important. Sometimes that may seem overwhelming, but even one step will get you there.