March and April always bring Easter at some point to our world. Some celebrate, some don’t. To me, it always elicits memories of Mrs. Mikita’s third grade classroom in Elmhurst, IL. She had tulip decorations throughout the classroom, on the bulletin boards, on the blackboards, on the windows. The bright colored flowers, and the bright Easter eggs meant that spring was here, Easter was coming, and snow would eventually be melting and leaving. (Although sometimes to return at least once more!) But it was rebirth, joy, new life, and joyful times ahead. And for those following Christian tradition, that is exactly what Easter brings – rebirth, new life possible, and joy that knew no previous bounds.
And yet, we can still feel fear deep within us, as though our flowers within are not blooming. We know this through the recent series of articles on depression we have been posting. Yet, this is a time to reach up to our Higher Power – God or Yahweh. A time to reach in – to our own hearts and minds as well as out to others to ask and embrace forgiveness. To speak our fears and accept the love and support offered by a safe and supportive friend, partner, priest, or other. And to reach into our hearts and see what our Higher Power is offering, and then to accept what we are given in the way of support, forgiveness, and love. All of this will allow us to blossom. As John O’Donohue summarized this:
This Easter Sunday I wish for you the bulbs planted last fall in your heart, possibly without your even knowing it…
Last time we looked at Senior isolation, loneliness and depression for our loved ones who are living on their own, or maybe even with you. But, what about those in assisted living? How can they feel isolated when there are other people around them? How can they feel lonely when they are almost never alone? Loneliness among the elderly is not merely a lack of companionship; it’s the absence of meaningful connections that once defined their daily lives. If they don’t feel truly connected to or supported by the people around them, being with them may not provide enough fulfillment to combat loneliness. They may no longer have the relationships that once meant so much to them.
It’s difficult to watch a loved one navigate the waters of loneliness and depression. And loneliness and depression in seniors has some health risks associated with it, including heart disease and stroke. And for those with heart failure, the risk of emergency room visits, or hospitalization increases. So, what can we do to help the people we love deal with these feelings. Keeping a senior active and engaged might seem challenging, especially if you live far away or if your loved one is living with health, cognitive, or mobility limitations. So, what can we do to help? Try some of the following:
Call them: use the phone, Zoom, or a video phone call. Regular contact with loved ones, even phone calls, FaceTime, or Zoom, can help an older adult maintain social connections. If your loved one struggles with technology, a professional caregiver can help with set-up and troubleshooting to get them going.
Help them feel needed and valued. Depression in the elderly sometimes stems from feeling unwanted or not valued. Ask for input or assistance from your loved one — even if they live far away. They will thrive and appreciate the opportunity to assist.
Participate in favorite activities. Find activities you both enjoy, and plan times together to do them. Stay connected through regular visits, weekend dinners, baking cookies, card games, evening walks, or grandchildren’s sporting events. These activities can go a long way toward preventing isolation and depression.
Create opportunities for companionship. Encourage your older loved one to safely engage in activities with community groups, religious organizations, and senior centers to provide opportunities to meet new friends and socialize. If they are in assisted living, they may have planned activities there in which your loved one can participate. If they are living alone, hiring a companion can sometimes help.
But what if this loneliness becomes something more: depression. Depression can be a vicious circle for those who already feel lonely; causing a low mood or lack of motivation which makes it very difficult for them to spend time with others. When they withdraw from others, the feelings of loneliness can increase. This can in turn deepen depression. And the lack of interaction with others may cause other health issues such as: Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive health problems. Watch for the signs of depression: feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and thoughts of suicide.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from depression, talk with them. Let them know they are not alone. If the depression is serious, suggest they see a doctor for medication, or that they speak with a therapist. Offer to go with them to the doctor if they are afraid to go alone. Support them as they take the steps to improve their lives.
Following up on my last blog about the Winter Blues, I would like to address a special population directly, those who often suffer from depression the most. So, this is for anyone over the age of 60, and from one of your peers – me. I don’t particularly care for the term “elderly” so I am going to instead use senior, a term I can better identify with. There is an issue that is growing in our population, Isolation, loneliness and depression. This is a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed. Many seniors find themselves grappling with a profound sense of solitude and depression.
Aging is a natural part of life’s journey, and with it comes a myriad of changes – physical, emotional, and social. As we enter our senior years, and throughout the 40 years that make it up (60-100+), the social landscape can transform into unfamiliar terrain, and multiple times at that. Children grow up, friends move away, and the once-familiar faces may become distant memories. In this process, we can find ourselves standing on the precipice of isolation, peering into a void that threatens to engulf our sense of purpose and belonging. Loneliness is not merely a lack of companionship; it’s the absence of meaningful connections that once defined our daily lives. Social interactions that were once abundant may dwindle, leaving behind a void that cannot be easily filled.
Anyone living alone, and at any age, can face these feelings. Whether retired or working, we need to face loneliness head on. And please, if you haven’t retired yet, plan, plan, plan for it as loneliness and depression are more likely. I recall my mother struggling with meaning in her mid-60’s. It was then that she added several activities to her life: hospital volunteer; Eucharistic home-bound ministry at her church; and her ladies stretching, exercising, and friendship group. These activities carried her through her late 70’s; adding meaning, friendships, and reducing her loneliness.
If loneliness is there, but also depression, making changes may only be part of what needs to happen to get back into a good place. Feeling down occasionally, lonely, anxious, sad, or “empty” is normal. However, if these feelings persist for weeks or months, it could signify a more serious depression. Here are some signs of depression to watch for in yourself or another:
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness,
Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still,
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities,
Decreased energy or fatigue,
Moving or talking more slowly,
Difficulty with concentration, memory, or decision-making,
Changes in sleep habits, such as trouble falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping too much,
Changes in appetite
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
If you are facing depression, or stuck in loneliness and isolation pre-depression, please remember you are not alone. Sometimes it means reaching out to an old friend. Or, finding a new friend group or two as my mother found. Maybe taking a class in something you’ve been interested in will help. But if those things don’t help, or you checked off more than two of the first 9 symptoms above, or just the 10th, talk with your doctor as well as someone close to you.
If you know a senior who seems to be struggling and is not getting help, offer to listen and encourage them to go to their doctor. Sometimes more than a change is needed to resolve the issue. Only by addressing it with their doctor will they be able to get the medication needed to help them. And having your support may be what they need to take that step.
Both of my parents often said in their 80’s that “getting older is not for sissies.” And they are right. But dad also had his humor until the end. He celebrated every holiday, birthday, and family get-together as a special event, golfed every week – 3 times, played poker with his buddies monthly, and went to a support meeting at least twice a week. He lived. My mother lived. I watched a birthday special for Dick Van Dyke’s 98th birthday this month. His message was to keep moving …” get your living done first, and have the nerve to try something. Failure’s OK. “
So, take a risk: call the doctor; call a friend, sign up for a class; join a book group; move closer to friends or family; go to a Bible study; play poker with your buddies; learn to garden at your pace whether pots, raised bed, or in the ground; and keep moving. Finley is one of my biggest joys as my pup. Getting a dog or cat for a pet reduces depression and improves health. But take a risk…You may have to learn new ways to live at 68 or 75 or 83, as life and our bodies change. Remember my dad’s face … and keep smiling, keep getting out, and revise your activities and life as needed. As Betty White said: “Don’t try to be young. Stay interested in stuff.”
February always brings to mind love, with Valentine’s Day decorations all around us. Whether we want to think about love or not, it’s in front of us. Have you ever pondered what love is? Is it a feeling, falling in love with another person? Or is it a choice, deciding to love another person. Let’s consider both. The Greeks had four words to describe love’s four dimensions: storge(affection), philia(friendship), eros(romance), and agape(sacrifice). We only need to examine two to show that love can be both a choice and a feeling. This can be illustrated by looking at eros and agape within the context of marriage.
Eros is what we feel when we fall in love with someone. Eros seems to impose itself upon us. If you have been in love, you can affirm this truth. This is a real and human experience. In marriage, we all want the newlywed feeling of eros to continue But, often it does not.
Agape is the desire to put another’s needs above our own, sacrifice. When spouses put the needs of the other person ahead of their own, they are demonstrating sacrificial love. Every day they have the choice to show their spouse sacrificial love, or to be selfish. To demonstrate how they feel about them.
How does a marriage keep the eros, romance, alive. It is through living agape, sacrifice. Eros thrives when sacrificial love is alive in a relationship. But if agape is neglected, eros does not endure. When someone tells us they love us, but are selfish in their actions, we don’t feel loved, eros. However, when love for us is illustrated daily through another’s sacrifice on our behalf, we feel loved. Sacrificial love is a choice that we all make in all our relationships. And this is true for any loving relationship: with a friend, a sibling, a parent, a partner, a spouse, a child. We need to love and be loved with agape, in order feel loved, eros.
Maybe you have been hurt and are now afraid to love. In loving we are choosing to be vulnerable. Are you holding yourself back from being vulnerable and loving? Trust is a big part of a loving relationship. When we choose to love someone by committing to them, we also are allowing ourselves to be hurt… or to be blessed. If we don’t trust, if we withhold, love cannot grow.
I would like to challenge each of you during this month when love is so visible, to both love and grow. Perhaps the person you have the hardest time loving is yourself. Start by daily noting just how others are showing you they love you and respect you. You think that never happens? What about the friend who calls because they trust you to keep their confidence? Or the dog who comes to you and leans in when allowing you to pet them? Or the child who asks you for a hug? Or the elderly parent whose voice softens when they hear your voice on the phone? Or even the cashier who greets you in a friendly manner, recognizing you, and asks how you are doing? Each interaction shows a tiny bit of love coming through.
This Valentine’s Day give the gift of agape to someone you love. And remember to love yourself too.
The holidays are over. Lights taken down, decorations packed away, candles blown out. Maybe you’re more aware of the brevity of our days, the darkness or grayness of the weather and short days, or the loneliness as all of the activity has ended and you’re back at work full-time. While some of this is very normal and natural, if feelings of depression, isolation, anxiety or simply “feeling down” are intense or last for more than two weeks can be a symptom of a more serious problem–depression.
Frequently the holidays bring to the surface long avoided feelings of loneliness, discouragement, or dissatisfaction with family relationships. You may find you feel disconnected from others, that you don’t count, or that no one cares for you. Often food, music, and work are used to push away those feelings. But in bed, late at night, you’re aware of the feelings again. And with no holiday to look forward to, it’s even harder to keep going.
It is important to determine whether the blues are temporary or are a symptom of depression. If it’s been more than 10-14 days, it’s time to consider emotional reasons for depression. If they are deep and/or began in November, you might also need to consider whether you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Generally, the holiday blues will resolve with no extra effort within a few weeks. While you may feel sad, tired, or distressed, you are able to handle everyday activities and responsibilities. Spring may become your goal as you deal with rain or spring break is the vacation coming up. You are moving forward.
Depression is more intense than the “blues”. First, the hope in the vacation or spring or some other experience is not present. Depression is interfering with your daily life. What used to be enjoyable may now feel like a burden. In fact, getting out of bed in the morning may be more than you can handle some days.
Other warning signs are:
Feelings of emptiness, guilt, hopelessness, or despair,
Lack of energy–even after eight hours of sleep,
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns,
Feeling irritable and overwhelmed—life’s responsibilities feel crushing,
You can’t concentrate or follow through on plans, or
Memory isn’t as crisp as usual.
The good news is that depression IS treatable. Up to 80% of those who finally seek help are helped. If you have a doctor, nurse practitioner, therapist, or psychiatrist you trust, go, and talk with them about what is going on. Often, we believe we must keep a stiff upper lip and not ask for help for depression. It may be considered a sign of weakness to ask. But the fact is depression is not helped by just ‘thinking positively”. Professional intervention is often necessary, and treatment for depression may be multi-faceted.
First, see a therapist for a complete evaluation. For years studies have indicated that therapy along with anti-depressants is more effective than anti-depressants alone. Naturopaths and others also have good luck with herbal remedies many times. Then, increase physical activity as exercise allows the body to produce more endorphins which increases mood. Minimize the amount of sugar and flour you eat as these foods increase depression. Finally, get adequate but not excessive rest–six to nine hours per night. If this sounds like too much, choose one to try for the next week. If you don’t have success, then call one of the professionals I mentioned above. If you don’t know someone, ask a friend for a referral. You might also try the following:
Partnering with a friend can be very helpful during these times. Connect with a friend to hold each other accountable to do one thing you’ve avoided. Build on that success.
-Listen to your heart. Do you need time with a friend, a funny movie, or a day with a child?
-Often depression is anger turned inward. Consider forgiving yourself.
-Take care of your physical needs. Set reasonable goals and develop a way to achieve them.
-Plan an outing for March when it’s warmer and brighter. Or, consider your spring garden and what you will do with that as it warms up.
Hold onto hope. As C.S. Lewis said, “You are never too told to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” It may feel impossible today, but if you reach out to another, accept help, and don’t stop believing, you will find a clearer day ahead.
The Advent season is a time of preparation for the coming of Christmas and the reminder of the birth of Jesus. What does this mean for us in our everyday hurried lives during this busy season? To me, it is a time of peace, hope and joy. Let’s focus on the hope today. Hold onto the thought that hope will get us through. That doesn’t mean that we always get what we hope for, but that we are, in the end, always protected and strengthened to get through what comes in our lives.
Advent is a time of hope, and that can be very welcome during times of war , financial crisis, and other challenges. On some days I believe hope is one of the only things we do have (an object) and a step we can take (hope is an action). When I was at church a week or so ago this was brought home to me again by Fr. Garrett Galvin of Franciscan School of Theology. I’m sure I’ve used the word in both ways, and yet I’d not acknowledged the fact it was both action and thing, verb and noun. If one has a spiritual connection, I do believe it may be easier. But hope, in the end, is the mental or spiritual or emotional trust that something will happen or come to be in the future. I saw a picture when perusing the Internet looking for some different views of hope. The Christian view of hope at this time of Advent is that of focusing on light instead of darkness; the Judaic of Hannukah is hope in the midst of darkness. Essentially the message of hope is to trust that there will be light, brightness, change, or answers once the day is again well-lit or the time of difficulty passes.
Henri Nouwen wrote of radical hope: He wrote that it is waiting with openness and trust – (wow, hard to do!) that “something is happening for us that is far beyond our own imaginings.” I have to tell you, that is not something I can do daily – leaning far beyond into a Source, for me a source of strength from my God despite anything that I might encounter in life. I may seek to be that strong, but it is a daily choice.
And that’s the funny thing about hope, it is a choice, and it is a gift. We don’t always realize this, but it’s true. I know how hard it is to hope amid those dark seasons. When all one has hoped for or believed to be true is suddenly turned upside down, leaving us bereft, questioning the reality of all one believes or holds sacred in life or a relationship. So how to change and lean in more fully to hope?
It takes daily living in hope to finally feel it. It can be unbelievably difficult, but hope demands we keep moving before we feel it. The paradox I’ve found to be true is that I must act on hope, trusting I will eventually feel it, and by the time I do the most challenging times have finally passed. I want to feel it before and during the tough time. But while I consciously hold onto the thought of it, the feeling comes after recovery from cancer, after one has finalized the divorce on all levels and gone on to live a new life, or after one’s energy rebuilds following surgery or chemotherapy. Or has it? Isn’t hope the living – the belief things will get better…and the time we can see the results the effect of the hope? Think about how that might apply in your life. You might be surprised to find you have some hope – you’re just not acting on or living it.
Make no mistake, living a radical hope in which one believes life will improve beyond one’s expectations, is not easy. And, especially during this Advent season, lean into your Higher Power, and trust in the hope that things will get better. It will give one some modicum of peace in the moment. Despite the migraines, nausea, sleepless nights, or worried days we may also experience, hope says “but this will change and improve eventually.” So, through personal crisis, or preparation for Christmas, or through Hanukkah, or as one tends the crops before Kwanzaa–may the last weeks of Advent and December be a month of radical hope for you.
Is your holiday season different this year? Maybe you must work and can’t be at events with family or friends. Perhaps you are feeling depressed and anxious already, and as you are learning to manage it, with holidays upon you, you are feeling you’ll never get hold of the emotions. It’s possible someone close to you died this year, and the point of holidays seems removed from you. Or maybe you are struggling with an illness and so the thought of holidays, food, or get-togethers just isn’t as important to you as you deal with the illness. Whatever may be different this year for you, perhaps we can simplify it a bit and make your holidays not just manageable but truly meaningful.
1 Breathe In, Breathe Out: Finding Calm Amidst the Chaos
Keep calm and take 3 deep, slow breaths.
So, the idea here is to just stop – slow down – breath. For those of you who have anxiety, pain, or need to take a bit more time, I love this practice and recommend it regularly. For the breaths:
Breath in slowly through your nose to the count of 4.
Hold that breath to the count of 7.
Release the breath slowly to the count of 8.
2 Perfectionism: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations
Consider alternative, stress-free ways for gift-giving, especially if you’re facing health challenges, financial constraints, or a lack of shopping energy. Opt for online orders, catalog browsing, or thoughtful gift cards that can be easily purchased through your computer, tablet, or a simple phone call. Another heartfelt approach is sharing homemade treats or creating personalized gifts, such as notes of appreciation or cherished memories. These gestures can forge connections and bring joy without the need for extensive shopping expeditions.
You can get creative. Check out Pinterest for ideas. Ask your friends for their thoughts or what they’ve done. The goal here is to keep it simple and low stress whatever you choose to purchase or make.
4 Downtime: The Secret Ingredient to a Balanced Holiday
While prioritizing rest may seem mundane, it’s a crucial step, especially when combating fatigue. Fatigue impairs our ability to navigate life effectively. Mental Health America emphasizes that rest isn’t just about regaining energy; it regulates hormones, aids muscle repair, enhances cognitive functions, and acts as a buffer against depression and headaches. Consider the wisdom of our canine companions—experts at ensuring they get the rest they need. As a dog owner, I’ve learned from my dog’s trainer that downtime is essential for both the pet and owner relationship. Just as my dog needs it to relax, I need it to maintain a sense of control and well-being. Therefore, for your own sake, prioritize and book your downtime first.
5 Feelings: Acknowledging and Embracing
Navigating holiday emotions can be challenging when there’s pressure to be constantly cheerful. However, acknowledging and processing your true feelings is essential for a smoother journey through this season. Whether through journaling, confiding in a friend, talking to a therapist, expressing yourself through art, or simply recognizing your emotions, taking these steps helps you own and understand your feelings. Avoiding emotions only delays their expression and may lead to unintended outbursts. Devote just five minutes to journaling or quiet reflection—it can make a significant difference in overcoming emotional bottlenecks.
6 Mindful Consumption: Balancing Indulgence and Wellness
While indulging during the holidays is common, it’s crucial to maintain balance. Remember to stay hydrated, incorporate exercise or walks, limit sugars and alcohol, and uphold your usual vitamin and self-care routines. Even one day of following these guidelines contributes to better overall health. If dealing with addiction, prioritize sobriety, considering extra meetings if needed. Explore available support during Christmas, as many areas offer 24-hour meetings for those struggling. The holiday season isn’t about the quantity of challenges but how we carry them. Embrace spiritual practices, whether through reading, meditation, or attending religious services, to stay grounded. Take time for rest, reflection, and connection with your spiritual beliefs, fostering a sense of peace and vitality. Ensure a day of rest, reflecting on gratitude and spiritual connection, throughout the holiday season. Prioritize self-care amidst the week’s hectic pace, approaching each day in December with a focus on your well-being rather than conforming to perceived expectations.
7 Spiritual Connection: Nourishing the Soul
Don’t forget to take time to connect with and nurture your soul. Whether it’s meditation, reading a spiritual book or the Bible, or taking a walk in nature, feed your soul during this hectic season. Sometimes when the holidays get hectic, we forget to pray and ask for guidance. We tend to put God on a shelf because we would rather be getting things done rather than praying about what needs to be done. But God will never be outdone in generosity. Give time to prayer and meditation and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
As we embark on this journey together, remember that the holidays are not about the challenges we face but how we live through them. Join us in creating a season of simplicity, mindfulness, and genuine joy. Stay tuned for insights, tips, and a sprinkle of inspiration to make this holiday season your most meaningful one yet.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I often think about the good times shared with loved ones in the past. As family dynamics have shifted with me as the matriarch of the family, I long for the times with parents, aunts, and uncles; and yet look forward to the new memories to be formed with nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews as well as my siblings and their spouses.
The Thanksgiving season is not only an occasion for feasting and gathering with loved ones, but it’s also a moment to pause and express our gratitude to the Divine, to God. Thanksgiving is a time when we come together to appreciate the blessings in our lives, and it’s important to remember that our gratitude can extend beyond our immediate circumstances to a higher power that has guided us through our journey.
First and foremost, Thanksgiving reminds us of the gift of life. Life itself is a miracle, a blessing that we often take for granted. We are alive, breathing, and experiencing the world; and for this, we can’t help but feel profound gratitude to the Creator. Even if you are having a rough time this year, try to find one thing for which to give thanks, perhaps the weather, a friend, or your pet.
During this season, we celebrate the abundance of the harvest. The fields yield their crops, and our tables are laden with delicious food. This abundance is a testament to the Divine providence that sustains us. We express our gratitude for the food that nourishes our bodies and the shelter that protects us.
Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends, to share love, laughter, and stories. Our loved ones are precious gifts from God, and Thanksgiving offers a perfect opportunity to express our gratitude for the bonds of family and the support of our communities.
Gratitude is not limited to material possessions. It extends to the compassion and love we receive and give to others. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we can thank God for the capacity to love, to show kindness, and to make the world a better place through our actions.
Thanksgiving is a time for prayer and reflection. Through prayer, we express our gratitude to God for the countless blessings in our lives. We also seek guidance and wisdom, recognizing that God’s presence and grace are always with us.
With the current world events, it’s even more important to acknowledge and thank our Higher Power for all that we have. Whether through a heartfelt prayer, a moment of silent reflection, or simply sharing the sentiment with your loved ones, expressing gratitude can deepen the meaning of this holiday and remind us of the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
In a world that often moves too quickly, and the future is unknown, Thanksgiving provides a sacred pause—a moment to reflect, give thanks, and acknowledge the divine source of our blessings. Through this, we can find a deeper connection to our faith and a greater sense of purpose in our lives.
We all feel the need to be informed about important issues such as the Israeli-Hamas War. For those of you who have read posts over the years, you know that I often advocate for less news viewing than more when triggered by events and pictures. It’s important to be informed, but not to the extent it is hurting your mental health.
In today’s digital age, we have unprecedented access to information from around the world, which is generally a blessing. So, when is it too much information and how do I stay balanced Let’s delve into the results of watching too much news, especially in the context of such a complex and emotionally charged issue.
Information Overload: The continuous news cycle provides a constant stream of updates often including traumatic pictures, which can lead to information overload. Consuming an excessive amount of news can overwhelm you, leaving you feeling anxious and helpless.
Emotional Distress and Stress: The Israeli-Hamas War, like many conflicts, involves human suffering, destruction, and loss of life. Constant exposure to graphic images and distressing stories can lead to emotional distress, compassion fatigue, and desensitization.
Neglecting Personal Well-being: Consuming too much news can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It can consume your thoughts, impacting your relationships, work, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Helplessness: Constantly witnessing global conflicts and their devastating consequences can lead to a sense of helplessness.
Lack of Context: News stories often provide snapshots of complex issues, lacking the in-depth context and historical background required to truly understand the root causes and potential solutions. This leads to bias in many situations.
Time Consumed: Excessive news consumption can eat up a significant amount of your time, leaving you with less time for other important activities and personal growth.
Balancing Information Intake:
It’s crucial to stay informed about global events, but moderation is key. Here are some tips to strike a balance:
Set Limits: Define a specific time or duration for news consumption and stick to it. My general rule of thumb is 15 minutes in the morning and evening maximum.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
This is a perfect poem to consider the road into the world of psychotherapy—a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Or a journey of measured recovery. This results in two definitions that stand before us, either of which any of us can choose. One, a journey within, kindling self-awareness and a zest for life. It’s about unraveling layers, embracing your essence, and thriving. Or, second, a more clinical take—measured change in symptoms. The second often offers the quick results sought by managed care.
For me, my heart resonates with the first. Life is more than just survival; it’s about thriving with joy. This means a choice for personal growth, depth psychology, existential consideration of our lives, or uncovering and learning from our mistakes, our past, our experiences. Insurance often does not cover personal growth, focusing instead on restoring function. Frequently they relate it to going to see your physician and reporting your symptoms, i.e.: a cough, a tummy ache, or fatigue and having the physician diagnose the problem (pneumonia or a cold, stomach flu or an ulcer, or thyroid or anemia problems). Then the doctor prescribes medication, flu treatment, or cough medicine and hopefully within a few days you feel better. But in psychology and counseling you deserve more. We’re meant to evolve emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Pause and reflect: Which road do you choose? Is it the busier road of medical recovery? Or therapy to enhance your path and fulness in life?
Challenge: Refuse to settle. Seek the best for yourself. Reflect on what needs resolution or growth. Take that brave step to seek professional guidance. Your story can be one of growth and resilience. It only requires you choose that road.
thewholenessinstitute 