I consider for a moment what it's like to be connected to the present. I quickly recall, like abrasive film strips, my last journey. It was too difficult, too painful, and far too overwhelming.
Tag: Depression
Painsgiving
Can we find gratitude through grief during the holidays.
Avoidance and Other Distractions
The act of avoidance is found in relationships. Avoidance shifts attention, keeps us outsourced, and removes us from seeing our own issues and doing our own work. Avoidance can be expressed in "if only" statements. If only _________ was fixed. If only they did ______________. If only they said _____________. If only they were__________. What … Continue reading Avoidance and Other Distractions
Depressed because I’m Human not because I’m Mentally Ill
I'm aware of our culture's low tolerance for the uncomfortable. In my experience, there seems to be a fear that drives this low tolerance. The fear of limitations; that we can't fix everything, that it will remain messy, and resolution will not come. This fear seems to keep us in fixing mode and our tolerance low for … Continue reading Depressed because I’m Human not because I’m Mentally Ill
I Choose to Move On
The vicious cycle of "stuck" holds many hostage with bad memories, mistakes, and regrets. The burden of hurt and pain is genuine. I watch victims work hard to move on. But they struggle, they get trapped. Internal experiences keep them from letting go and moving on; yet I continue to see the desperation to move on and … Continue reading I Choose to Move On
Maintenance
I took my daughter for an evening bike ride this week. For me, it's never just a bike ride. My mind can't help itself but drift to therapeutic analogies. As we took a ride, we quickly ran into a squeaky wheel situation. The single brake I had been relying on to not be squeaky, … Continue reading Maintenance
Grieving
Grief can be loss, death, change, or disappointment. Each individuals' process is different yet the process remains the same. We lost our son 4 years ago to a horrific and rare bacterial infection. His name was Rory. Rory lived and breathed on this earth for a little over 3 hours, all of which he spent … Continue reading Grieving
The Gift of Engagement
My last post was on fighting depression through deep connections and relationships. In following that post, I think it’s important to talk about a principle within deep connection, engagement. In contrast, to many surface and monotonous relationships, deep relationships connect with our being. Engagement connects with the idea of intentionally hearing and understanding those around … Continue reading The Gift of Engagement
Fall Help: Depression
Ah!, I hate the transition from beach apparel to winter boots. Truly, I am grieving the vitamin D, being poolside with my baby and non-winter clothing. Moving beyond my summer grieving, in this transition to fall and winter, I am reminded of a common fall and winter problem, depression. This season may be an important … Continue reading Fall Help: Depression
Home, Work, and Play
Ever wonder how people really are? Are they really the same person you see? I do. I’m sure I am not alone in this. This idea is labeled congruence in the counseling field. Perhaps you remember this math concept: Congruence in counseling describes an individual’s harmony with themselves. For today, let’s focus on three areas: … Continue reading Home, Work, and Play
Mental Health & Journaling 