I had one of the best days in years a few weeks ago. I was so excited things were looking up…but then over the next few weeks I tanked so badly. I was determined to find out why this happened, but I haven’t been able to pinpoint what happened. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of our mental struggles. Sometimes, feelings emerge seemingly out of nowhere, leaving us puzzled and bewildered. But rather than getting bogged down by the quest for answers, it’s essential to acknowledge that not everything can be neatly explained. In the realm of mental health, there’s a common misconception that every bout of depression or anxiety must have a clear, logical trigger. We’re often encouraged to dig deep into our past, scrutinize our current circumstances, or pinpoint specific events as the root causes of our emotional struggles. While this approach can be helpful for some, it’s crucial to remember that sometimes, the darkness that shrouds our minds doesn’t come with a neatly labeled explanation. And that’s okay.
The key to regaining control of our lives isn’t always about uncovering the ‘why’; it’s about learning ‘how’ to move forward, despite the lack of a definitive answer. By accepting the mystery that sometimes surrounds our mental health challenges, we free ourselves from self-blame and endless rumination. We realize that it’s okay not to have all the answers and that our worth isn’t defined by our ability to pinpoint the root cause of our suffering.
Embracing the Unknown & Shifting the Focus to ‘How’
Instead of fixating on ‘why’ we are depressed or anxious, let’s shift our attention to ‘how’ we can move forward. This shift in perspective empowers us to take proactive steps towards moving forward with healing and recovery.
- Seek Professional Help–Regardless of whether you can identify a specific cause for your depression or anxiety, seeking professional help is a crucial step in moving forward. Therapists and mental health experts are skilled at helping individuals navigate the complexities of their emotions and can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing symptoms.
- Practice Self-Compassion–Depression and anxiety can often be accompanied by harsh self-criticism. Instead of berating ourselves for not having all the answers, let’s practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a dear friend facing a similar struggle.
- Focus on Self-Care–Prioritize self-care activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. This can include regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Build a Support System–Lean on the support of friends and family members who can offer a listening ear and emotional support. Sharing your experiences with loved ones can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a sense of connection.
- Cultivate Mindfulness–Mindfulness practices can help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce the impact of racing thoughts and overwhelming emotions.
Embrace the Journey
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and our mental health is no exception. While we may not always understand the ‘why’ behind our struggles, we have the power to shape the ‘how” to move forward in our journey. I don’t understand why my life has taken this path; but I hope to navigate it well.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis helpline immediately. There is help available, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Emergency: Call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Online Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org