Depression can feel overwhelming. It’s like a heavy weight that just won’t lift. I don’t often talk about it; my focus is usually on food and cooking. But depression has been a part of my life for a long time. I’ve faced it as a teenager, received multiple diagnoses, and navigated through varying treatments.
Growing up, I didn’t realize I was struggling. As a kid, you might think moodiness is just part of being young. But it often followed me into adulthood, turning into obsessive-compulsive disorder, clinical depression, and bipolar II disorder. These labels try to capture the complexity of the experience, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Instead of sharing my battles openly, I often preferred to share cooking tips. I’ve written plenty about how to enhance simple dishes, but recently, a wave of depression hit me hard. It seeped into my daily life, and I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
In my search for joy, I turned to food. Some might roll their eyes at this idea, thinking it sounds overly simplistic or even cliché. But when you’re in a dark place, gratitude often feels out of reach. You might see a beautiful sunset or cozy blanket, but instead of feeling warm, those little joys can seem tainted. The challenge is finding something delightful during meals, as I eat a few times a day, and that can spark brief moments of clarity.
I recently reflected on my experiences with food over the past year. They’ll be published soon, and as I looked back, I realized how essential these moments were. Cooking engages all the senses, making it harder for depression to take over completely.
One standout memory was on January 1st, when I made Hoppin’ John, a traditional Southern dish meant to bring good luck. Standing in my friend’s kitchen, I could smell the sizzling garlic and onions. It was a lively scene, filled with the chatter of children. Holding the wooden spoon, I felt a flicker of joy. In that brief moment, I connected with a history of women who had served meals before me. It reminded me that there’s still beauty to be found, even in struggle.
According to recent studies, nearly 17 million adults in the U.S. experience depression each year. Engaging in activities like cooking can serve as a small yet effective coping strategy. Food has the power to connect us, ground us, and, at times, lift us out of our own darkness. Even simple acts in the kitchen can spark a little light, guiding us through tough days.
Finding joy amidst the heaviness isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Every small step counts.
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arts & lifestyle,january 2026,viewpoint,food
