Rabbit holes are so easy to fall into. Sometimes this is how depression sneaks up on you. The wrong look from someone, a word with just the right edge is all it takes.
You would think that they are so easy to see and miss, but, you would be wrong.
I fell down a big ol’ hole just recently. I was already walking toward the hole for the last few days. I saw it coming. I was planning a short trip! Then someone said something just right and I went to see Alice.
The worst thing about being in a rabbit hole is still having to function as if you are on equal footing with everyone else. That is if you don’t want people to bug you too much with “are you ok?’ You need to talk and laugh and “act normal”.
I can at least see daylight at the top of the hole already. I’m pretty close to the top. I will never lie to you and say it’s easy, but, after all these years it does get more predictable.
Say you’re in a nice rabbit hole and you have to socialize. You are comfy in your dark place. You can hear the talking and laughing and if someone directs a question or comment at you, you are supposed to respond with more than a head shake or grunt. What to do.
A simple yes or no is your best comeback. If they insist on asking questions, glue a smile on your mouth and say “Yes, mam or No, sir” and they will start feeling old and soon leave you alone.
The next time you look up and see a rabbit hole in your way, get out of its way or talk yourself into a short trip. You don’t have to see Alice every time.
When you see daylight at the top, don’t get too excited. Back sliding can be a real bummer. Work your way out slowly maybe think about taking a little walk or making some great chocolate cookies.