Michelle Obama shared a heartfelt message with her followers on Instagram following the release of the August 5 episode of her podcast on Spotify.
The former First Lady was joined by her friend, journalist Michele Norris, where they discussed the heaviness that the pandemic, civil unrest and current political administration have had on them.
“There have been periods throughout this quarantine where I just have felt too low,” said Michelle, who shared that her sleep and exercise schedule had been off during the last few months.
“You know, I’ve gone through those emotional highs and lows that I think everybody feels, where you just don’t feel yourself,” she said. “I know that I am dealing with some form of low-grade depression,” she continued, explaining, “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.”
Though Michelle noted that she knows she isn’t the only one feeling this way, it drew enough concerned messages from her social media followers that she wanted to share some reassurance with them.
“I just wanted to check in with you all because a lot of you have been checking in on me after hearing this week’s podcast,” Michelle’s August 6 post read. “First things first - I’m doing just fine. There’s no reason to worry about me,” she continued.
“Like I said in that conversation with @Michele__Norris, I’m thinking about the folks out there risking themselves for the rest of us - the doctors and nurses and essential workers of all kinds. I’m thinking about the teachers and students and parents who are just trying to figure out school for the fall. I’m thinking about the people out there protesting and organizing for a little more justice in our country.”
Michelle also encouraged everyone to check in on their family and friends who might be feeling similarly. "The idea that what this country is going through shouldn’t have any effect on us - that we all should just feel OK all the time - that just doesn’t feel real to me," she said about why she had opened up on her podcast.
“So I hope you all are allowing yourselves to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. I hope you’re listening to yourselves and taking a moment to reflect on everything that’s coming at us, and what you might be able to do about it. And to all of you who’ve reached out - thank you. I hope you’re also reaching out to all those you’re closest with, not just with a text, but maybe with a call or a video chat. Don’t be afraid to offer them a shoulder to lean on, or to ask for one yourself. Love you all.”
