Get Up, Be Brilliant

Three little birds. They live on my right forearm. These special creatures weren’t my first tattoo, but they are the first of three tattoos so far that are a direct result of my depression. Whenever things seem hopeless, I simply need to look down to be reminded that everything is going to be ok. These colorful characters help me to remember that I have lived through all of the worst days of my life. Yes, there has been sadness and hurt, but there has also been strength and healing. Even at my weakest, I am strong enough to persevere.

Number two of the depression tattoos is on the outside of my right ankle. I often question my worth, and it’s important to remember that I am enough. I am a good person. I’m not perfect. I make mistakes. Despite my shortcomings, real or perceived, I am worthy of love, respect, honesty, trust, compassion, and happiness. When I start to feel like I’ve failed myself or my family or friends, this tattoo serves as a mantra to snap me out of that self-hate that’s creeping into my thoughts. This particular tattoo is doubly special because it is the first tattoo from a dear friend of mine who is currently an apprentice tattoo artist. She is my Phoenix, rising from a dark place to something spectacular, and I am blessed that our paths crossed.

In 2018, Shinedown released the “Attention Attention” album. This album is special. It is a complete story, start to finish, that for someone suffering from depression is all too familiar. There are fears and demons, highs and lows. There is self-doubt and self-acceptance. There is hope and understanding, regret and acceptance. Two of the songs, “Get Up” and “Brilliant,” became a beacon of light during some of my darkest times. Depression is scary. It’s misunderstood and often comes with a stigma that you feel like you can’t escape. Those of us suffering can’t just “get over it.” It isn’t something you can just ignore. It pushes you to the darkest corners of your mind and holds you hostage. It distorts reality and buries you so far under that you think there’s no way you could ever escape. “Get Up” and “Brilliant” are two phenomenally powerful songs. Get up, be brilliant became my goal, my motivation, my hashtag (haha). Those two songs became my heavenly choir, drowning out the voices in my head trying to drag me to Hell. They saved me from myself. They made me believe that I could defend myself against my demons. I may not win every battle, but I will win the war. “Get Up, Be Brilliant” is my battle cry. 🖤💛

I have good days and bad days, days when I struggle to get out of bed and days when I feel completely normal. Its frustrating when someone who doesn’t understand depression accuses me of being dramatic. By the same token, it’s so very encouraging when someone will listen without judgement. Sometimes I just need someone to tell me that it’s ok, that I’m ok. Asking for help isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s downright embarrassing. There are days when the tears just fall like rain, and nothing I do can stop them. Those are the days when I just need a little more love.

PSA time… If you are struggling with depression, remember that it’s ok to reach out and ask for help. We are stronger together. If you know someone who suffers from depression, please try to show them compassion. We can all benefit from helping each other to get up and be brilliant.