I've been struggling these last few months to stay positive. Often when we struggle we need a hand, so in addition to leaning on some of my supportive lovelies, I have tried accessing additional help. I've not had success as yet with phone support, but I have signed myself up for some Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Not surprisingly, given the ratio of need to availability, there is a waiting list tho I'm hopefully now over half way in my wait. Meanwhile I'm working my way through some online sessions.
What I know from my training on violence is that when anger floods our bodily system, we are no longer connected to the part of our brain that can do logical thinking. I'm wondering if the same is true of other intense emotions. In trying to read about the links between thoughts and feelings tonight, I'm noticing that it's hard to respond clearly whilst I'm feeling so overwhelmed with emotion. So whilst I know what is written makes some sense, I'm finding it hard not to interpret it with judgement attached. That if our feelings result from the way we perceive external events and "all" we need to do is change the way we think, that it is then my fault that I am depressed, because I am not thinking in a healthier way.
So right now that's not helping me feel any better about myself, but maybe when I'm in a different state of mind it will.
There are many positive results from the way you see external events. It makes you passionate about reaching out to others, giving love and receiving it and caring for the world itself, and changing it for the better. Those are all extremely healthy outcomes of your perceptions. I think that perception does make things tough. There are times when one or all of those things is harder than it 'should' be, or one seems to clash with another. You may be able to alter your perceptions in a way which would reduce those flipsides, but without losing the good that comes from the way in which you see the world, and how it drives you to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. I'm aware there's a tricky line with regards to mental health. Yes, our thoughts can change, but it feels hard when it's like blame is apportioned - that it's our own fault, if we could just think differently then we would be ok again. When it's not quite that simple. Appreciate you getting in touch, thanks. Xx
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