Depression during the holidays is common and normal. How we manage depression is the key to healing. Perhaps you are a devout follower of God, and you have lost your only child to cancer, lost the love of your life, or believe there is no hope for you, and you want to end your suffering: DON’T.
Our minds are like ChatGPT; you get more of what you ask for. Just as Chat has led some to commit suicide, our minds can do the same thing. That is why it is so important to be the boss of your mind.
You are not your mind or your emotions. Not you or anyone around you has an accurate assessment of who you are or your value. Everyone is biased! Yet your thoughts and emotions are so compelling. Joseph Nuyent wrote Don’t Believe Everything You Think; Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering. It discusses how negative thinking shapes our perceptions. We can use our minds to reinforce negative thoughts or to redirect our thoughts to what is more positive, which transforms our mind.
For the loss of a loved one, remember the good times. It is hard and painful, but you will reconnect with positive memories and be able to relive them.
You don’t believe you are loved or have value? – Wrong! You are loved, and you are an important part of the web of life. My friend Susan said her granddaughter was telling her she was a terrible person. Angry, I said, “You are an amazing person, look at how you have cared for your mother who abused you, and a husband who is just mean. You care for your patients and so many others. Your teenage granddaughter doesn’t know anything. Don’t listen to her. “ Later that evening she texted me to say thank you, she had planned on committing suicide that night. Reminding her of her amazing heart broke the negative trajectory of her thinking.
Remember to celebrate every good thing, fond memory and kindness shown to you. Relive the positive Be kind and helpful to others and in time you will heal from trauma, find love and joy.
If you are suffering with depression, schedule a 30 minute discovery meeting.
