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feelingsfactsOne thing I struggled with a lot during the worst of my first battle with depression was mixing feelings with facts. I meshed them together thinking that my emotions dictated what was true and what was false. One of my patients asked me about this recently, to clarify an exercise she did in one of her therapy groups. It involved being read various short paragraphs and identifying what the facts were, however; she couldn’t quite figure out what a fact actually is. I defined it for her as this: an indisputable truth. In just about every circumstance and situation, this statement is true. There is no weight of feelings that drives this truth. Humans must breathe oxygen to sustain life. Dogs wag their tails as a means of communication. Five plus five equals ten. You are so much stronger than you feel.

Sometimes when my mind is crowded with too many emotions and I feel like I’m tangled in a thousand tugs of war, I fact check. Then I write a list down for safekeeping, for a bad day or a bad week or a bad month. I go back to it and I add more. It helps me stay strong and it helps me identify and understand the intense emotions I may be feeling. Here is part of my list. For me and now, for you.

Things I Know to Be True:

  1. You are powerful.
  2. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
  3. Taking obstacles as personal challenges makes them feel a lot more surmountable. And they are.
  4. To be able to let go of something, you have to face it first.
  5. You are not a victim.
  6. Learning to take the blame for one’s actions is hard; learning to free oneself of the blame is even harder.
  7. Nothing has control over you unless you let it.
  8. It’s hard to be strong all the time, and that’s okay. However, this fact is not permission to give up.
  9. If someone isn’t supporting your recovery, they don’t have to be part of it.
  10. You never deserved pain.
  11. There is no reason to feel ashamed for feeling.
  12. Your mistakes do not define you. They say nothing about you as a person besides that you are human.
  13. Self-discipline does not mean cutting your skin over every disappointment.
  14. Anxiety leads to procrastination, and procrastination leads to more anxiety. Do it now.
  15. Food does not equal emotions.
  16. Find the beauty in everything. It is always there.
  17. There is no such thing as a small victory. Celebrate every accomplishment. You deserve it.
  18. When in doubt, be kind.
  19. You’re not the only one who feels this.
  20. Basing your self-esteem on every tiny mistake is a mistake.
  21. Just because you had a bad morning doesn’t mean it has to be a bad day.
  22. It is okay to say no and you do not need an excuse.
  23. This fight is worth it.

Now I challenge you to make up your own list – and keep it going!


Comments

10
  • jacob

    jacob jacob

    Reply Author

    what do I do if none of that works and nothing else helps

    Posted on

    • You Matter

      Jacob: It sounds like you are having a really difficult time coping. If you need a little extra emotional support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK. The call is free and confidential, and crisis workers are there 24/7 to assist you. The Lifeline is there for everyone.

      Posted on

  • Angel

    Angel Angel

    Reply Author

    I think this is well written …I had a disappointing comment thrown at me this morning….really surprised this person reacted the way they did to what I had said….I am trying very hard not to absorb it inside myself…..not to argue with the person about it being rude and hurtful..it is his issue thrown at me…I will keep my distance a little while and then tell him , he hurt my feelings….it doesn’t really fit into fact and feelings..at least I can see how it does and really wish I could…..I will keep your words and read them daily…very inspiring…

    Jacob can you be a little more specific…so many people out here to support you

    Posted on

    • You Matter

      Angel, Thank you for the reply and also for offering insight in how you handled a difficult situation. We appreciate the support that you are offering Jacob!

      Posted on

  • mapquest driving directions

    What should I do when my depression tends to get worse and worse?

    Posted on

  • Ebs

    Ebs Ebs

    Reply Author

    feelings are not facts-, What a word!

    Posted on

  • Incredibox

    Your article is so inspiring and uplifting – it left me feeling motivated and empowered.”

    Posted on

  • color tunnel

    The bad motion will cause many problems. I know that I cannot focus on my job if I cannot overcome my depression.

    Posted on

  • angel numbers

    It is true that emotions are not always facts, and we need to distinguish this. Writing down a list of things we know to be true is a great way to keep our minds strong and realize that we can overcome difficulties. Or pay attention to the angel numbers, maybe you are being told something to help you overcome difficulties.

    Posted on

  • angel numbers

    Distinguishing between emotions and facts is sometimes difficult but it is necessary so that we do not make wrong decisions.

    Posted on