Faith and truth

Hullo dear folk,

I'm writing late tonight... but thankfully on an emotional up. I had a full and glorious day. I had a couple thoughts while I was running tonight (Only a couple?!)

If you struggle with depression, the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do for yourself is... (drum roll please)

Remember that feelings are temporary and that how you feel... eventually will pass (either with time, or therapy, or a good chat with someone, or medications etc). You will not necessarily be able to change how you feel, but you can control how you react. People often like to tell depressed people to "snap out of it" or "be more optimistic". Sometimes, it is impossible to see a bright side. That is ok. It does not make you a bad person to feel what you feel. It does not mean you're not trying hard enough and failing. However, it does make you vulnerable. You cannot allow your feelings to rule you - or you will become a victim to them. Disney may tell you to "follow your heart", but this is NOT the time to listen to Disney!!!!!! Those feelings are strong, if you let them lead you, it will be down a dangerous path. This is how you lose your life... by believing lies that sound completely absurd to your mind. For example, "everyone is better off without me" or "things will never change, I'll always be a screw-up". The mind laughs at those thoughts blithely... knowing they are completely ridiculous and unfounded... but the heart.... the heart shudders with the echo of those feelings it mistakes for truths.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis writes "Faith, in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods."

This is what is needed in the face of the raging emotions of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness. And sometimes... sometimes you need a real, live human being to speak the truth and rationalize through the feelings with you. That is why there are hope lines. That is why I aspire to be a person who speaks the truth and hope. Because sometimes you need to hear the truth in order to break the enchantment of lies that feelings have entangled you in. It is the truth that will set you free

We need less of people trying to doctor us up... and more of people reminding us who we already are. 

Love,
Liz