Lhe crises, those that come as a consequence of the economic problems and the constant fears of our time, seem like ‘time bombs’ and almost always make us explode.
After the hard moments that we have experienced with the pandemic and with the other headaches that have come our way, it could be said that the mental health of many of us has been shaken.
Therefore, I do not find it strange that many people today say that they feel sad, discouraged and disoriented; and that they are even prey to anxiety, stress and discomfort.
This being the case, it will always be a good therapy to let off steam to free ourselves from the tensions that overwhelm us.
Concerns with the pocket, with labor and sentimental matters or with the difficulties that arise in our daily lives cause us confusion.
The truth is that we have all wanted to throw in the towel at some point during the crisis. No one is oblivious to the feeling of impotence and frustration, nor to that stress that sometimes seems to have no end.
And although we are human and have the right to regret, we cannot stay ‘ruminating’ our painful situations.
Consequently, the first thing we must do is put obsessive thoughts aside, among other things, because they become ‘snowballs’ that end up increasing our anxieties.
Let’s put things against in favor. Just as you read it! That is to say, it is not true that “crises are also opportunities.” Every stone on the road can be used to build a new journey for us. We should all redesign our routes.
Let’s follow the example of flowers, which grow in adversity and still manage to become the most beautiful of all. And the most interesting thing is that they never ‘complain’, neither of the bad winds nor of the unexpected cuts of their stems.
Let’s annihilate negative thoughts and avoid reproaching ourselves for the mistakes made. Let’s try to find relief in our hearts and look ahead with optimism.
Let’s remember that every difficult moment has a reason for being. Let’s find the ‘why’ of the problems and be victorious from all of them.
The best thing to do is that we sit down and analyze the reasons why we have reached the state we are in.
We also resort to prayer. Prayer, added to concrete actions, will make us see the most encouraging panorama.
If we set our mind to it, we will find solutions to our troubles and calm our worries!
SHORT REFLECTIONS
* When something bad happens to you, you have three options: 1. Let that mark you all the time; 2. Allow what happened to him to end up destroying him; and 3. Seeking to turn what ‘bad’ you’ve been through into a valuable tool to make yourself stronger.
* We must be strong so that no one defeats us; noble, so that no person dares to humiliate us; and authentic, so that people remember us with pleasure. If we are resilient and faithful to our ideas, we will always see ourselves as consistent men and women.
* Life is like a cup of coffee: you decide if you want it sweet or bitter, cold or hot or alone or accompanied. Finally you see the world you want or the one you carry in your heart. Therefore, the best advice is to stop complaining and enjoy every moment that God gives you.
* Psalm 91 points out that: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This phrase protects you from days of danger, problems and evil. If he clings to this prayer, he will have protection twenty-four hours a day.
THE CASE OF TODAY
Concerns frequently assault our state of mind, especially in these hard times. However, with each questioning we have one more chance to face a new horizon, either reasoning or applying healthy strategies for the soul. What are those fears that affect you today? Tell us about them to reflect on it. Send your testimony to Euclides Kilô Ardila at the following email: eardila@vanguardia.com In this column, he himself will answer you. Let’s see today’s case:
Testimony: “During the last few years I have started to feel sad and I would say that this happens to me for no apparent reason. It’s like an existential void that I can’t explain. Nothing excites me and anything makes me want to cry. That has me distressed. I keep thinking of bad things for my world. What do you advise me? Thank you very much”.
Answer: Be calm! Remember that sadness is a relatively ‘normal’ emotion and, as such, it appears in different episodes of our daily lives.
However, you cannot continue to focus your thoughts on the negative aspects, because they will not lead you to anything good.
In your letter you tell me that you can’t find the reasons for that degree of sadness. Therefore, it is up to him to inquire into the depths of his being the real reasons for those ‘slumps’ in his state of mind. This sadness may be the natural response to some situation experienced, suddenly a problem or perhaps some frustration due to some form of loss in your environment.
As you describe in your letter, this emotion is manifesting itself with a lack of motivation, reluctance and crying. Total: those are indications of a difficult season that he must face and solve.
And since the specific experience of sadness can vary from person to person and from situation to situation, it is my duty to tell you that you must rule out, with a medical prescription, that you are not suffering from any pathology.
I’m telling you this because you should know whether or not you are experiencing major depressive disorder. In addition, what you experience may be a symptom of other disorders that must be treated with the wisdom of a professional in the field. Ask God for serenity and clarity to get out of that state.