I have had clinical depression for the past 10 years. Most recently it's been under control with some waves due to environmental changes. I'm in a bout right now because of everything going on politically.

When Trump first got elected I was so deeply sad, as I know many others were. I more-or-less adjusted back to life with the news after a week and a half or so, with help from the distraction of holidays.

Now that he's in office, it's not just one thing to 'adjust' to. Everything in my country that I stand for is under attack and I'm processing it personally. And there is more upsetting news every day.

Sometimes I feel guilty for my depression because I have so much to be grateful for in life, and I have many privileges. But instead of being able to enjoy or use those things, I am just getting by every day through my depression.

I know it will get better, and I will adjust to this chaos, but right now I feel powerless, hopeless and stuck. I am hopeful, however, in the sense that I will get a better grip on my life soon because I've gone through so many waves of depression before and when I work through things, I'm stronger for it.

The key for me is to have self-compassion when I make decisions that I know are not great for my mental health. Instead of beating myself up about something, I'm trying to focus on: the positive steps I've made, things I am grateful for, staying calm, continuing to move.