In the second installation of her podcast, Michelle Obama admits that not just the quarantine, but racial injustice and the current administration got her feeling low-grade depression.
What is low-grade depression? From Harvard Health
Also, referred to as dysthymia (dis-THIGH-me-ah), low-level depression, “while not as crippling as a major depression” can “interfere with your work and family life. You can still carry out daily responsibilities, but may lose your “zest for life”.
Another difference between major depression and low-level depression is the length of episodes. Low-level depression can be short episodes and you might not get them as often.
Low-grade depression doesn’t just disappear and lasts an average of five years.
Michelle Obama points to social issues as the cause of her low-level depression. Aside from difficulties from her exercise routine and sleep:
I’m waking up in the middle of the night because I’m worrying about something or there’s a heaviness.”
“Not just because of the quarantine, but because of the racial strife, and just seeing this administration, watching the hypocrisy of it, day in and day out, is dispiriting.”
Michelle Obama | The Michelle Obama Podcast | Aug. 5, 2020
For Michelle, maintaining a schedule and her routine help manage her feelings.
