“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
Viktor Frankl
In light of what has been going on in the world, I wanted to address the importance of taking control of your own mental health. There is so much heartache and destruction in the world right now; so many people are suffering and so many are faced with feelings of hopelessness and despair. But there is also so much courage, bravery, and unity.
No matter what is going on in your life, there are always choices to be made. Every day you are presented with the opportunity to make a decision which will determine whether you will give in to the powers that threaten you, or hold onto your inner freedom and dignity.
No matter what you’re facing in life, you can continue to choose hope and resilience.
Reflecting on his time in Auschwitz, Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl, wrote in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning:
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
Anxiety and depression are the two most prevalent mental health problems in America today. Sadly, most people who suffer with anxiety or depression do not seek professional help, mainly because of lack of awareness about the disorder and/or because of the stigma associated with mental illness. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or depression, please don’t give up. Choose to fight for your very self, to refuse to become a plaything of circumstance.
I’m not saying that your attitude or perspective alone will be enough to recover from depression, but believing that you can and will bear your sufferings with meaning and dignity can help motivate you to push forward and get the help you need.
In a study published in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, individuals who have successfully recovered from depression or anxiety were consulted about recovery. Their collective wisdom was then summarized through content analysis and descriptive statistics.
The results of this study supports what several studies have found that have asked people who have overcome various physical and psychological problems what they would attribute their recovery to. In all cases the most prevalent response was the belief in one’s own power to heal or change. Other widespread responses include having a desire and commitment to change as well as others’ caring and believing in them.
Believing in your ability to take control and be successful supports Bandura’s (1988) theory of self-efficacy and outcome expectations: “those who believe that they will be successful are more likely to persist in their goal-seeking and are more likely to succeed.”
Frequently participants (in the current study) encouraged individuals suffering from anxiety or depression to not be ashamed of their disorder, to take responsibility for their own recovery, and to be confident (but patient), and active in regard to their recovery. The most helpful tools for healing and recovery included medication, seeking professional help, cognitive restructuring, relaxation exercises–including positive affirmations, physical exercise, and social support. In rating affirmations, as part of the study, affirmations relating to how anxiety is normal and common and that the depression will subside in time and things will get better were regarded most helpful for recovery.
Never be ashamed of struggling with your mental health. Depression and anxiety are so common and you are not alone. These disorders are highly treatable, but you must be patient and willing to try a variety of interventions, if necessary. Take responsibility for your recovery–ultimately, you are in charge.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
Seek professional help and be hopeful even on those darkest days because there will be better days. Be thoughtful about what interventions you choose and if one is not helpful try something else. In developing your individual recovery plan and choosing what’s best for you, consider the interventions and affirmations.
Find affirmations for relaxation, positivity, and so much more on the Selfpause app, or use the app to write and record your own affirmations!
